8 country european tour

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7-10 Day Tours of Europe visiting three or more countries

Looking for a tour 11 days or longer click here for a keyword or tour code search click here, european highlights with eurostar™ extension.

Short on time, but want a jam-packed adventure filled with European Highlights? Cruise down the Rhine River, savour a banquet in a castle and catch your breath as you see the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Yo...   read more»

• A Coach Tour of Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Franc...
• Lasting for 7 Days
• Prices Starting From £299 per day

Glimpse of Europe

Enjoy the mesmerising landscapes and rich heritage and flavours of Europe. Travel through the lush green Dutch countryside to the beautiful Rhine Valley, the shores of Lake Lucerne, and Paris, the 'Ci...   read more»

Europe Taster (ET)

• Enjoy a free day to explore Paris, with optional cabaret show
• Optional visit to Jungfraujoch during your free day in the Swiss Alps
• A Coach Tour of France, Switzerland, Germany, The Nether...
• Prices Starting From £132 per day

London to Rome Highlights

Short on time, but big on appetite to see all the highlights from London to Rome? This 8 day journey including Italy’s iconic Venice, Florence and Rome is the perfect fit for you. You’ll see the Eiffe...   read more»

• A Coach Tour of England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Vat...
• Lasting for 8 Days
• Prices Starting From £191 per day

European Traveller

Stroll through streets filled with romance, history and adventure as you travel Europe. Feed your imagination as you relax on the stunning shores of Lake Lucerne, watch master craftsmen create treasur...   read more»

European Dream

Hit the ground running on this 8-day Europe trip, transporting you to the beating heart of glittering cities and the picture-perfect countryside. You’ll know dreams do come true as you admire Paris, M...   read more»

• A Coach Tour of Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, France

European Vistas (EV)

• Cruise along the canals in Amsterdam and the Rhine River in Germany
• Explore Paris, Innsbruck, Venice, Lucerne, Burgundy and Brussels
• A Coach Tour of The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy...
• Prices Starting From £116 per day

Scenic Europe (MAL)

• Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for the fairytale castle in Disneyland
• Explore Innsbruck, the Italian Lake District, Lucerne, Verona and more
• A Coach Tour of Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzer...
• Lasting for 9 Days
• Prices Starting From £108 per day

Rome to Amsterdam (EX2L)

• Walking tour of Rome with a local guide
• Opportunity to visit Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps
• Cruise the Rhine Valley in Germany and the canals of Amsterdam
• A Coach Tour of Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, German...
• Lasting for 10 Days
• Prices Starting From £90 per day

Best of Western Europe (EB1L)

• Enjoy full free days to explore Paris and Lucerne
• Experience the famous Champagne region of France and the Rhine Falls in Switzerland
• A Coach Tour of United Kingdom, France, Luxembourg, Germ...
• Prices Starting From £120 per day

GLIMPSE OF EUROPE SUMMER 2024

7 days from £1035

A 7 day first class tour at an affordable price by coach from Amsterdam to Germany, Switzerland and to Paris. Start with canals and clogs, see Swiss mountain railways that use cogs, perhaps finish with a can can

LONDON TO ROME HIGHLIGHTS 2024

8 days from £1350

A one way tour which takes your from London to Rome. The only roundtrip tours that include Rome are 12 days or longer, so this 8 day tour is a chance to include Rome and see some top places in between

EUROPEAN HIGHLIGHTS WINTER 2023/24

7 or 8 days end Paris or London

A first class tour with Trafalgar Tours. Delve into the landscapes of Europe, from Amsterdam's gabled façades and lush Burgundy vineyards, to the sophistication of Paris and the mystical White Cliffs of Dover.

Why a Multi-Country Tour of Europe?

 Whether you're visiting Europe for the first or the hundredth time the diversity makes it difficult to decide where to go, especially if you're short on time. These 7 to 10 day tours provide you with a flavour of the diverse countries that make up Europe. The starting points vary for your multi-country tour of Europe. Most start in London and travel either to Brussels, Amsterdam, or Paris as the first stop. 

Skip London if You Want

If you want to avoid London at the beginning or end of your tour that's no problem. You can join or leave at the hotel in the city where the tour starts or ends. This gives you additional options to extend your stay in those cities. Here at Global Coach Tours we’ve brought together a great selection of the best multi-country tours, Whether it's a budget coach tour with Expat Explore, a mid-range bus tour with CostSaver or Cosmos, a first class tour with Trafalgar, or a luxury tour with Insight Vacations. We have tours to suit every budget.

Most Dates Guaranteed

Pick a guaranteed date to make sure your tour goes exactly to plan. Around 90% of tours operate as planned, but occasionally, some dates do not achieve sufficient numbers to operate and departures get consolidated with the previous or following weeks tour. This may be alright if you are flexible, but if you need to have airfare and other arrangements sorted either side of the tour, we strongly recommend you select a ‘guaranteed date’. Global Coach Tours suggest you book as far in advance as you can to get the best deals. The clockwise route around Europe typically takes you to either Brussels or Amsterdam. Followed by Germany Austria and Switzerland. Venice may also be included. You will then head back to London via Paris for one or two nights. Highlights will include Swiss mountain scenery, a Rhine cruise, glassblowing in Venice, perhaps a gondola ride.  

Don't Forget Paris

In Paris, the city of lights, you will enjoy a city tour showing you all the main sites such as the Louvre, Champs Elysees, Notre Dame and the River Seine. On premium tours ascending the Eiffel tower to the second level will be included. Some tours start in London and go first to Paris, whilst others go one way between London and Rome or Paris and Rome. Rome is a great place to start or end a tour and you'll be blown away by St Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps, Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. If a tour visits three or more countries we consider it a multi-country tour. So you will also find some Eastern Europe tours in this section. Then perhaps you will start in Munich or Frankfurt, visiting Prague, Vienna and maybe Budapest. Some tours will take you further south to Croatia and Slovenia, whilst others will head to Poland. There you can visit Warsaw or Krakow, which is the nearest main city to Auschwitz.   Wherever you choose, 7 to 10 days spent in Europe might just be the most amazing holiday you've ever taken and will leave you hungry for more.   Advanced Search

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Multi-Country European Vacation Packages

On our multi-country European vacation packages and European city tours visit highlights and must-see destinations on every bucket list. Amsterdam’s charming canals, lined with squat wooden boats and flowers; London’s legendary museums and palaces; the extravagant opulence of Versailles; the Grand Canal in Venice; the epic Swiss Alps; and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Meet history face-to-face at World War battlefields, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Sistine Chapel.

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Best multi-country trips in Europe

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Top-rated multi-country trips in Europe

10-Day Road Trip to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands

One-Week Road Trip in Spain and France from Barcelona to Perpignan, Tarragona, and Valencia

14-Day Road Trip to Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Vatican City

15-Day Road Trip to England, Wales, and Scotland

12-Day Road Trip in Germany and Czechia from Berlin to Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Munich

9-Day Road Trip in Portugal and Spain from Lisbon to Merida, Madrid, and Cáceres

7-Day Road Trip in the Netherlands and France from Amsterdam to Lille, Paris, and Cambrai

13-Day Road Trip to Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria

Multi-country trips in all countries in europe.

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• Europe Tours

Europe Tours and Trip Packages 2024/2025

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or you just enjoy the finer things in life, a Europe tour package has something to offer every type of traveler. These Europe package tours and trips explore any of the continent’s 50 countries that are diverse in size, climate, traditions - and cost! With fine cuisine, world-renowned art and music, and 23 officially recognized languages, a tour in Europe can be a cultural labyrinth that fuels wanderlust. 

• Europe Travel Guide

+300 Trips in Europe with 6,169 Reviews

• Starts Amsterdam, Holland
• Ends Paris, France

Glimpse of Europe

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='21253'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle, Coach & Boat
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,695
• Special Deal (19%): - US$ 320
• Total Price from: US$ 1,375
• May 13 10+ seats left
• May 27 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Vienna, Austria
• Ends Budapest, Hungary

Best of Central Europe

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='3044'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,775
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 566
• Total Price from: US$ 3,209
• May 11 Only 9 seats left
• May 18 Only 10 seats left

• Ends Amsterdam, Holland

Europe Jewel

• Activities Cultural, sightseeing, food tours & Art and architecture Cultural, sightseeing, food tours , Art and architecture & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='37689'>+1 more
• Transport Coach, Boat, Taxi & Train
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,120
• Special Deal (24%): - US$ 742
• Total Price from: US$ 2,378
• May 24 Only 1 seat left
• Jun 07 Only 5 seats left

• Starts London, England
• Ends London, England

Europe Taster

• Activities City sightseeing & Art & architecture tour City sightseeing , Art & architecture tour , Art and architecture , & heritage & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='37695'>+3 more
• Transport Coach, Boat & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,070
• Special Deal (33%): - US$ 674
• Total Price from: US$ 1,396
• May 26 Only 3 seats left
• Jun 02 Only 1 seat left

Get Social: Central & Eastern Europe

• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Bungalow & Hostel
• Transport Coach, Bus & Helicopter
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,739
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 374
• Total Price from: US$ 3,365
• May 08 10+ seats left
• Jun 05 10+ seats left

• Starts Barcelona, Spain
• Ends Madrid, Spain

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Party and nightlife & Food tours 'data-more-tripid='4978'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hostel
• Transport Train, Bus & Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,879
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 376
• Total Price from: US$ 1,503
• Jun 21 Only 1 seat left
• Jul 26 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Sofia, Bulgaria
• Ends Athens, Greece

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='17753'>+1 more
• Transport Bus, Coach & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,497
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,124
• Total Price from: US$ 1,373
• May 04 10+ seats left
• May 11 10+ seats left

• Starts Catania, Italy
• Ends Palermo, Italy

Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities Food tours & Wine tasting tours Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='22521'>+3 more
• Transport Minibus
• Age Range 1-89 yrs

• Starts Vilnius, Lithuania
• Ends Tallinn, Estonia

Baltic Capital Cities

• Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,470
• Special Deal (11%): - US$ 160
• Total Price from: US$ 1,310
• May 25 Only 7 seats left
• Jun 01 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Baku, Azerbaijan
• Ends Tbilisi, Georgia

Caucasus Countries (12 days)

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Sightseeing Tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & National parks 'data-more-tripid='18354'>+2 more
• Transport Coach & Minibus
• Age Range 12-75 yrs
• May 18 10+ seats left
• Jun 15 10+ seats left

• Starts Dublin, Ireland
• Ends Dublin, Ireland

Irish Explorer

• Activities Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,685
• Special Deal (32%): - US$ 545
• Total Price from: US$ 1,140
• May 26 Only 6 seats left
• Jun 09 Only 8 seats left

European Vistas

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat, Private Vehicle & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,890
• Special Deal (26%): - US$ 494
• Jun 01 Only 8 seats left
• Jun 13 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Lisbon, Portugal
• Ends Porto, Portugal

Highlights of Portugal

• Activities Local culture & Art and architecture Local culture , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Shopping and Markets 'data-more-tripid='10596'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,649
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 330
• Total Price from: US$ 1,319
• May 05 Only 2 seats left
• May 17 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Split, Croatia
• Ends Split, Croatia

Croatia Sailing Adventure

• Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating & National parks Sailing, yachting and motor boating , National parks & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='37268'>+1 more
• Accommodation Yacht Cabin
• Transport Private Vehicle, Yacht & Boat
• Age Range 18-40 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,895
• Special Deal (40%): - US$ 758
• Total Price from: US$ 1,137
• May 29 10+ seats left

Europe Tour Reviews

• Valerie Kilfoil
• Jane Pettigrew

Europe - Tour Package Highlights and Trip Insights

With so much to see, do, eat and buy, planning a Europe tour is no easy feat. There are, of course, the typical sightseeing musts: Paris’ Louvre, London’s Tower Bridge, and Rome’s Colosseum. Even Europe’s most frequent visitors will always find something new to discover. Read on for our top Europe tour highlights and Europe trip insights.

Europe Tour Package Highlights

• Go back in time and explore the ruins of ancient civilizations in Italy and Greece
• Snack on cheese and wine (or escargot, if you’re feeling adventurous) in the Champ de Mars, beneath the Eiffel Tower
• Ride a bicycle through the townhouse-lined streets of Amsterdam before touring the canals by boat
• Listen to the romantic songs of the gondoliers as you cruise through the canals of Venice
• Indulge in an authentic Belgian waffle, drowned in chocolate
• Enjoy an ice-cold beer from a beer stein at Oktoberfest in Germany
• Hike from village to village in Italy’s Cinque Terre
• Get lost between the shelves of some of the world’s most beautiful libraries, like those at Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland), Mafra Palace (Mafra, Portugal), and the Clementinum Baroque Library Hall (Prague, Czech Republic)
• Join a Europe tour that goes through many of Europe's travel highlights in countries such as Spain , France , Italy , Netherlands and Scandinavia .

Europe Trip Insights

• Traveling by rail is one of the easiest (and sometimes cheapest) ways to get around Europe, especially if you plan to travel for a couple of weeks (or longer). Investigate rail passes before you visit, particularly ones that can be used between countries. Interrail and Eurail are very popular among travelers.
• Don’t skip the “touristy” destinations. Everyone travels differently, but the most popular European highlights are popular for a reason. Brave the crowds and be sure to stop by those more cliché sites - you’ll be glad you did.
• Try not to over prepare! One of the great benefits of visiting Europe is that it’s incredibly easy to travel between towns and countries. Allow yourself some flexibility to open yourself up to new adventures (and avoid travel burnout). If you've booked a Europe tour package with accommodation, activities, guides etc. get ready to indulge and relax - you are up for a Europe trip of a lifetime. 
• Chances are you don’t speak 23 different languages, so be prepared before you travel. Avoid carrying around heavy guide books by downloading a translation app on your phone.
• Note that not all European countries use the Euro, including the United Kingdom , Denmark and Hungary (among others). Do your research beforehand and be ready to juggle different currencies if you’re planning an extensive trip.
• Travelling on a budget? Check our last minute holiday and travel deals to Europe . Also, consider looking for accommodation outside the city centre. Most large European cities are very well connected by public transportation, meaning all your bucket list sites are just a quick (and often inexpensive) bus, train, or metro ride away.

Tours in Europe - Questions and Answers

You can spend a couple of months exploring Europe and still feel like you have not seen everything. Generally speaking, a two-week Europe trip should be just enough if you are looking to cover its major highlights. However, if you want a comprehensive travel experience within this duration, it is better that you focus on a region or a few countries rather than traveling all over the continent. 

Choose a single country or schedule your trip around a handful of cities in different countries. While larger European cities may require three to four days to explore, you can get around smaller destinations in a day or two. Planning your trip around a particular region will cut down your travel time and save your time in transit.

If you are planning to visit multiple countries, you should prepare a tentative list of destinations you are interested in. If it is your first trip, stick to major cities and cultural centers for the sake of simplicity and convenience. Also, be flexible and optimize your travel time and budget. Be open to changing your itinerary depending on schedules and ticket prices.

There are dozens of insurance companies offering travel insurance, which can make it difficult for you to choose the right one.

There are a number of things that you should be aware of while purchasing travel insurance. If it is comprehensive medical insurance plans that you are interested in, make sure to find out what all the plan covers. If you are concerned about certain scenarios, then check out customizable travel insurance policies and find out if the provider can cover you for those situations. You also need to determine if there are reasonable coverage limits. Check deductibles and compensation limits in the insurance policy for this.

While insurance is important, it is mostly a safeguard against emergencies. If you are on a budget, you can go with the second- or even third-best option and prioritize getting your money’s worth instead of purchasing the most comprehensive coverage.

Europe has swathes of spectacular landscapes, a rich history, and vibrant cultures. Therefore, deciding on the best travel destinations on the continent can be difficult. However, you can narrow down on highlights by choosing one overarching theme for your trip. 

If you are looking forward to immersing yourself in art and history, then Italy, Spain , and France should be on the top of your list. Head for Switzerland , Norway , or Croatia if nature is what you love the most. For beaches and water sports, you will be hard-pressed to find better destinations than Greece , Portugal , and Montenegro.

Having said that, you can also diversify your itinerary by mixing and matching different elements of the same country. Italy  tops the charts not just for its medieval monuments and Renaissance art but also for coastal scenery and sun-soaked beaches. Similarly, Spain is a foodie paradise as much as it is an architectural hotspot.

Bus services like FlixBus and BusAbout offer a convenient means of transport if you wish to move from one city to another within the same country. Although these services do travel between countries, they might not be the best choice due to a longer travel time.

Budget airlines are another great way to get around Europe’s major cities, especially when you want to cut down on travel time between two countries. Keep an eye out and you might be able to snag tickets at unbelievable rates. Services like Skyscanner can be of help. Some of the largest budget airlines in the continent are Ryanair , WizzAir , Eurowings , and EasyJet .

Ridesharing services are a godsend for those wishing to immerse themselves in local culture as they offer you the chance to catch a ride with locals along the way. BlaBlaCar is the largest one. The only downside is that it is not always as easy to book a rideshare service as it is to catch a bus or hop on a budget flight.

The USA is one of the 63 countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free entry into the EU Schengen zone along with the UK and associated states like Iceland , Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. 

This means that if you are an American citizen with a valid US passport and want to travel to Europe for a limited amount of time for tourism or business purpose, you can do so anytime you want to. However, if you have more long-term plans (say, you intend to get employed, study, or simply live in Europe for an extended period of time), you will need to apply for a visa. The type of your visa and required documentation depend on your goals. 

Update for 2022: EU is set to launch ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) by the end of this year. It is similar to ESTA and is supposed to help simplify travel procedures and decrease security risks. All travelers allowed to travel to the EU and associated states visa-free will require an ETIAS authorization. This also includes US citizens.

If your country has a visa-free agreement with the EU, you are allowed to spend up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. Keep in mind that the countdown starts on the date of your entry and ends on the date of your exit. So, for example, if you fly into an EU country on the first of the month and exit on the 15th, it will count as a 15-day stay.

There are 63 countries in the world that have a visa-waiver agreement with the EU . If your country is part of this agreement, you can travel to Europe visa-free. You do, however, need to show the following to be allowed into the Schengen Zone and associated states.

• A valid passport: Your passport should have a validity of at least 3 months at the time of your entry into Schengen and be less than ten years old.
• Purpose of entry: In addition to your passport, you also require documents that prove that you are there for tourism purposes. These documents can include invoices for hotel reservations and booked tours. 
• Proof of financial means: You also need to carry documents proving that you can support yourself during your stay in the region.

As long as you have got all three, all you need is a plane ticket to your chosen destination. 

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“I love introducing guests to the diversity of Europe and all its countries have to offer.”

Maria, Travel Director

Enjoy afternoon tea in London

Sample over 300-years of history in the simplicity of homemade scones with whipped cream and jam. This deliciously British treat is best enjoyed in the afternoon, complete with a hot cup of Earl Grey, cucumber sandwiches and a tower of sugary delights.

Explore ancient Athens

You don't need to be a historian to appreciate the significance of Athens. Your love affair with the city might begin with goddess Athena’s Parthenon temple and the ruins of Acropolis, but it’s likely to end in a quaint alleyway getting a glimpse at daily life in this ancient capital. The story of Athens continues to unfold.

Catch a flamenco show in Spain

Discover the soul-stirring emotion of a Flamenco show in Spain. This expressive art-form has an intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO, merging song, dance and musical instruments into a performance that has to be experienced at least once. Finish with dinner of paella or tapas to round off your perfect evening.

View the Northern Lights in Iceland

Mother Nature’s wonders come to life with the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. In the frosty landscapes of Iceland, this light display offers viewers a genuine pinch-me moment as vivid colours dance across the night sky.

Spend a night at the opera in Vienna

Hear the talents of traditional opera with the ghosts of Mozart and Strauss in your presence. Though there are more than few places to catch the opera in Vienna, none can compare to the State Opera House (Staatsoper).

Our top 5 things to do in Europe & Britain

There are endless pinch-me moments to be found across the many countries that make up our Europe travel packages. But where to even begin? Perhaps a Flamenco show in Spain, afternoon tea in London or a Northern Lights viewing in frosty Iceland? Here are some of the highlights of our Europe and Britain trips that you're sure to love. 

Paris, France

The world’s largest gallery and the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is without rival in the art world and is a must see when in Paris. Allow an entire day to explore its eight departments, not missing the Egyptian antiquities, Islamic art and various halls of sculptures. End your day with sunset by the Louvre Pyramid.

London, England

The British Museum

With some eight million works within its permanent collection, The British Museum is an illustrious European landmark. Admire objects brought back from the voyages of Captain James Cook and walk in the controversial presence of the Parthenon Marbles.

Florence, Italy

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters can be found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo fill Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River reveal the building’s architectural brilliance.

Best museums in Europe & Britain

When traveling Europe with Trafalgar, museum hopping is one of the best ways to understand the culture and history of the places you visit. You’ll find yourself critiquing ancient art and staring in awe at some of the world’s most prominent works. Here are some of our favorites.

Paella Valenciana

Saffron, snails, butterbeans and bomba rice are just some of the ingredients you might find in traditional Spanish paella. Despite originating from the coastal town of Valencia, Paella Valenciana is a variety without seafood. You'll love sitting back to enjoy a steaming plate over the sounds of Spanish jazz in a lively alfresco restaurant.

Beef Stroganoff

Now a staple dish in many parts of the world, beef stroganoff is best enjoyed in its birthplace in Russia with a vodka in hand. This simple dish of beef strips sauteed in a sour cream sauce offers a heart-warming taste of this country’s culinary heritage.

Bouillabaisse

The Mediterranean city of Marseille is where a French culinary icon can be found and devoured. The fragrant stew of bouillabaisse, commonly served with crusty white bread, boils up the finest local seafood and seasonal vegetables with the flavors of fennel, saffron and cayenne pepper.

Best food in Europe & Britain

Our trips to Europe gravitate around indulgent local mealtimes. With new cuisines and cooking methodologies found at every turn, this continent is simply delicious. 

What to pack for a tour in Europe

With such a large expanse of space to explore on a European travel tour, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about European history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A good book

Exploring Europe is best done at a relaxed pace with ample opportunity to absorb your surroundings. Dedicate a few days to sitting in a park or a cafe, alternating between reading and watching the world go by.

Versatile shoes

Within the space of one outing you may experience all kinds of terrain when in Europe. Pack shoes that can see you walking from an elegant restaurant to a cobbled footpath, with a stroll along the soft grass of a park in between.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Europe, you may find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to share recommendations with friends when you return home.

All climate clothing

No matter the time of year you travel, Europe can deliver a myriad of temperatures. From frosty cities of Scandinavia to the temperate hills of Portugal, layered clothing best suits the varying micro-climates across this continent.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

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Multi-country trips in Europe to book now

With its plethora of cultures to experience, its compact size, and its efficient transportation network that includes international trains, highways, and flights, few places make it easier—or more enticing—for travelers to explore multiple countries in one fell swoop than Europe. 

Not sure how to plan a multi-country trip? No worries; the best way to see multiple countries in Europe might just be by joining a group tour. Expert and experienced local guides and Tour Directors can handle every last logistic required to get you from place to place—and help you get acquainted with the customs of each country along the way. Sound exciting? (We thought so.) Here are 10 multi-country trips to consider for your next adventure.

Italy & Greece England & France Portugal & Spain Scotland & Ireland Germany, Switzerland & Austria Norway, Sweden, Finland & Denmark Croatia & Italy Croatia & Solvenia Poland & the Baltics Bulgaria, Serbia & Romania

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THIS IS WHAT AWAITS IN EUROPE

Towering castles. Untamed natural beauty. Captivating history. Can’t-miss cuisine. This is your time, your moment, your chance to discover Europe.

Destination Must-Sees

One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Greece, Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese, known as the “Valley of the Gods.” Surrounded by beautiful scenery from the Arcadian Mountains, it is home of the first Olympic Games that were held in 776 B. Step into history when you walk through the ruins of the ancient Olympic stadium or witness amazing sculptures at the museum.

France’s romantic capital is a must-see destination, and a gorgeous gateway to the wonders the rest of this country has to offer. Whether your ideal Parisian getaway has you spending some free time sipping coffee at a café and watching the bustling city life, roaming the halls of art at the Louvre, or exploring the bohemian artist’s haven — the Montmartre neighborhood, there’s rich history and culture abound in every corner of the City of Light.

Irish countryside:

Take in the atmosphere of quaint seaside villages, see awe inspiring views of the Lakes of Killarney and explore the picturesque town of Kinsale. Wherever you travel in the countryside, you’ll find that the rolling hills and friendly people you encounter will become a part of your fabric.

Ancient cities of Italy:

Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

Destination Must-Dos

Meteora Monastery:

Over 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community atop limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air, making them virtually inaccessible. It is one of the greatest monuments in the world, and is the most important monastic center in Greece. You can climb these rocks and travel the paths hidden behind the massive rocks.

The Palace of Versailles

The iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) and its gardens reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." Alongside a local guide, learn the history and admire the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Be sure to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete and include intricate architecture, elaborate fountains, and gorgeous statues.

Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

This was the first capital of Spain located about 43 miles south of Madrid. The history of Toledo dates back to the Roman occupation circa 192 B.C. The old city of Toledo sits atop of a small mountain surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and medieval walls on the fourth. From the top of the mountain you can get a 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape.

Expert Advice

Featured Tours to Europe

Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring Barcelona

Treasures of Turkey Istanbul, Ancient Ephesus & Cappadocia

Exploring Greece and Its Islands featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini

A Taste of the Balkans featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia

Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

See Our Travelers On Tour

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Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

A gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a paradise. On the coasts, sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking hillside towns all down the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In the cities, ancient structures rise up shoulder-to-shoulder with modern living. Everywhere you turn, you can find mouth-watering food paired with delicious local wines, medieval architecture paired with Moorish artistic influence, and friendly locals paired with charming attitudes. No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look, or how long you stay, Portugal offers something for every traveler.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

Switzerland

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

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• Madrid and Barcelona by Air 6 nights from $1,149*
• Lisbon and Porto by Train 6 nights from $1,279*
• Rome - Florence - Venice by Train 7 nights from $1,379*
• Athens and Istanbul by Air 6 nights from $1,329*

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Best Europe Vacation Packages

Madrid and barcelona by air, 6 nights from $1,149*.

866 Customer Reviews

This top seller in Spain is a perfect introduction to Europe . Visit Madrid (its famous museums, nightlife and endless energy) and Barcelona (Gaudi, Gothic Quarter and always in the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times). A flight connects these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Madrid and out of Barcelona
• Hotel for 3 nights in Madrid
• Flight from Madrid to Barcelona
• Hotel for 3 nights in Barcelona

Experience beautiful Portugal through two of its most popular destinations!. Begin your vacation in Lisbon (the dazzling capital with an ancient fortress at its heart with charming neighborhoods, local festivals, nightlife, and delectable food) and then, take a train to Porto (the former residence of the Royal Family; visit medieval cathedrals, concert halls, the national library and museums with breathtaking art treasures and porto wines!). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Lisbon and out of Porto
• Train from Lisbon to Porto
• Hotel for 3 nights in Lisbon
• Hotel for 3 nights in Porto

Our #1 Bestseller and the perfect introduction to Italy! . Visit these fascinating cities starting in: Rome (the Eternal City, with its stunning architecture like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and delicious food) after that, travel north to Florence (capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture) and finally, to Venice (set on gorgeous canals, intimate Gondola rides will guide you past sumptuous palaces and under sculpted bridges). Travel between these cities by very convenient train rides which allow you an opportunity to observe the lovely country side. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Rome and out of Venice
• Hotel for 3 nights in Rome
• Train from Rome to Florence
• Hotel for 2 nights in Florence
• Train from Florence to Venice
• Hotel for 2 nights in Venice

Take an exciting vacation in Grece and Turkey! . Begin with a visit to Athens (the cradle of civilization and home of democracy, is a heady mix of history and edginess with iconic monuments mingle with first-rate museums) and then, take a flight to Istanbul (which is world-famous for its rich history and culture, stunning scenery, magnificent structures across the sprawling Bosphorus Strait). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Athens and out of Istanbul
• Hotel for 3 nights in Athens
• Flight from Athens to Istanbul
• Hotel for 3 nights in Istanbul

A taste of two of the most fascinating cities in Netherlands and France ! Visit Paris (The City of Lights with impressive monuments, museums, culture and gastronomy) and Amsterdam (easygoing and liberal; a diverse culture full of museums, shops and eclectic neighborhoods set along tranquil canals with a vibrant nightlife). Travel between these two amazing destinations by train. This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Paris and out of Amsterdam
• Hotel for 3 nights in Paris
• Train Paris - Amsterdam
• Hotel for 3 nights in Amsterdam

Discover the best of France and Italy ! With our European vacation packages, you can combine Paris and Rome into one unforgettable getaway. Explore the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysses and Roman Coliseum all on one vacation. Be enlightened by Europe's historical background with masterpieces from more than two millennia of artistic achievement, and much more. Customize your independent itinerary with a trip to the Louvre or the Vatican with flights between the cities. With so much to see and do, we want you to make the most of your vacation. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight from Paris to Rome

Two dynamic European cities are combined here into one unforgettable vacation visiting Portugal and Spain . Begin in Lisbon (the capital of Portugal; set on the banks of the Tagus river with an ancient medieval fort) then, catch a flight to Madrid (with an undeniable energy; famous museums, fabulous shopping and nightlife). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight from Lisbon to Madrid

One of the most popular vacation packages in Europe, combining England and France by train. Visit London (grand museums, stunning architecture, Royalty, glorious parks and diverse cultural scene) and Paris (the 'City of Lights'; home to rich history, museums, architecture, shopping, fine food and wine). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 3 nights in London
• Eurostar Train from London to Paris
• The Eurostar does not have guaranteed availability at Christmas, we suggest selecting air between Paris and London during this time

Travel through Europe like never before, visiting Hungary , Austria and Czech Republic . Start in Budapest (two cities in one, Buda and Pest, connected by the Szechenyi Chain Bridge) and then, take a train to Vienna (city of music, cafes, waltzes, parks, pastries, and wine with stately streets and Baroque palaces) and a last train to Prague (it's known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotels and activities.

• Flight into Budapest and out of Prague
• Hotel for 3 nights in Budapest
• Train from Budapest to Vienna
• Hotel for 3 nights in Vienna
• Train from Vienna to Prague
• Hotel for 3 nights in Prague

A popular vacation through Netherlands and Belgium . Begin in Amsterdam (a charming, eclectic city set on the banks of beautiful canals; full of history and diversity) and continues through Brussels (a city blending modern buildings along traditional cobblestone streets and incredible food) connected by the InterCity Express train. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Amsterdam and out of Brussels
• Train Amsterdam - Brussels
• Hotel for 3 nights in Brussels

The perfect Nordic Trio in Norway, Denmark and Sweeden . Visit Oslo (situated by a fjord and surrounded by hills and forests), Copenhagen (cozy European capital, filled with stunning architecture, historic sites, world-class museums, and some of the best shopping and dining in Europe) and Stockholm (built on 14 islands around one of Europe`s largest and best-preserved medieval city centers, with stunning and extremely varied scenery in every direction.) Travel between them by flights. This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Oslo and out of Stockholm
• Hotel for 2 nights in Oslo
• Flight from Oslo to Copenhagen
• Hotel for 2 nights in Copenhagen
• Flight Copenhagen to Stockholm
• Hotel for 2 nights in Stockholm

Experience two fascinating cities in England and Ireland with this customizable vacation package. Visit London (a world center of theatre, art, music, literature and culture) and then, fly to Dublin (a delightful mix of history and culture, with medieval, georgian and modern architecture). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into London and out of Dublin
• Flight from London to Dublin
• Hotel for 3 nights in Dublin

Combine France and Italy with an exclusive vacation package to some of the most popular cities in Europe! Paris (the romantic City of Lights, the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre) will steal your breath before flying to Venice (with sumptuous palaces and dreamy waterways). Take the train and observe the charming countryside en route to Florence (Michelangelo`s David, Botticelli`s Birth of Venus, and Raphael`s La Velata) and lastly Rome (Italy`s treasure, ripe with history, quaint alleys and centuries of achievement in the arts). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Paris and out of Rome
• Flight between Paris and Venice
• Train Venice - Florence
• Train Florence - Rome

Experience Italy with this lovely vacation package, leading you through Rome (Italy's treasure with two millennia of artistic achievement) after that, Cinque Terre (five miles of rocky coast with five small villages overlooking the sea, in the midst of two capes with hundreds of miles of beautiful paths), next is Florence (Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and Raphael's La Velata) and finally, Venice (set on gorgeous canals, intimate Gondola rides will guide you past sumptuous palaces and under sculpted bridges). Travel between these cities by very convenient train rides which allow you an opportunity to observe the lovely country side. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Train from Rome to La Spezia (Gateway to Cinque Terre)
• Hotel for 2 nights in Cinque Terre Area
• Train from La Spezia to Florence

Our most popular combination in Greece! . Enjoy Athens (the cradle of civilization and home of democracy, is a heady mix of history and edginess with iconic monuments mingle with first-rate museum), up next by ferry/hydrofoils, visit Mykonos (famous for shopping, beach parties, and the very photogenic Mykonos Town and its windmills) and after that, to Santorini (recognizable for its whitewashed, cube-shaped buildings adorned with blue accents, steep cliffs and tangerine sunsets that light up the sky and sea). Finally, fly back to Athens to finish enjoying what the city has to offer. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into and out of Athens
• Ferry from Athens to Mykonos Island
• Hotel for 3 nights in Mykonos Island
• Ferry from Mykonos Island to Santorini Island
• Hotel for 3 nights in Santorini Island
• Flight from Santorini Island to Athens
• Hotel for 1 night in Athens

Ferries/hydrofoils for the Islands do not operate in off seasons (autumn and winter) due to weather conditions

An Exotic African Holiday in Reunion and Seychelles Islands! . First enjoy Reunion Island (lying off the east coast of Africa; its famous for have one of the most active volcanoes in the world , hiking routes, beautiful villages and for its highest-quality vanilla plantations). After that, travel to the amazing Seychelles ; where the most famous island in the country; Mahe Island (capital city with beautiful beaches, local markets, big hotels and luxury resorts) and Praslin Island (Seychelles' second-biggest island; famed for having some of the world's most beautiful beaches, like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette ; abundant wildlife, majestic palm trees, and wild nature trails) await you for unforgettable and relaxing days under the sun!. These destinations are connected by flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Reunion Island and out of Praslin Island
• Hotel for 2 nights in Reunion Island
• Flight from Reunion Island to Mahe Island
• Hotel for 2 nights in Mahe Island
• Flight from Mahe Island to Praslin Island
• Hotel for 2 nights in Praslin Island

Combine Bologna (a thriving university town and architectural gem), Rimini  (Adriatic coast, in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region), Ravenna (former capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Visigoth Empire, and the Byzantine Empire, but best known today for the Byzantine mosaic decoration of its churches and tombs), Ferrara (known for the buildings erected by its Renaissance rulers, the Este family) and Venice (built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals, lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces) with train between cities.  This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Bologna and out of Venice
• Hotel for 3 nights in Bologna
• Train from Bologna to Rimini
• Hotel for 2 nights in Rimini
• Train from Rimini to Ravenna
• Hotel for 2 nights in Ravenna
• Train from Ravenna to Ferrara
• Hotel for 2 nights in Ferrara
• Train from Ferrara to Venice
• Hotel for 3 nights in Venice

Flawless cities in Switzerland with a Rental Car! . Combine Zurich (a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland) and after that, drive to Grindelwald (a village in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps, is a popular gateway for the Jungfrau Region , with skiing in winter and hiking in summer). Drive back to Zurich for one last night stay, before returning home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight in and out of Zurich
• Hotel for 1 night in Zurich
• Rental Car for 6 days
• Hotel for 5 nights in Grindelwald

Driving Time Zurich - Grindelwald: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx. Interlaken - Grindelwald: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx.

popular vacation packages

In the spotlight.

explore Europe

• Andorra la Vella
• Azerbaijan:
• Bosnia Herzegovina:
• Chobe National Park
• Okavango Delta
• Cape Verde:
• Santa Maria (Sal Island)
• Praia (Santiago Island)
• Mindelo (Sao Vicente Island)
• Czech Republic:
• Cesky Krumlov
• Karlovy Vary
• Addis Ababa
• Faroe Islands:
• Torshavn (Streymoy Island)
• Nice (French Riviera)
• Gibraltar City
• Santorini Island
• Mykonos Island
• Ivory Coast:
• Diani Beach
• Liechtenstein:
• Luxembourg:
• Luxembourg City
• Madagascar:
• Antananarivo
• Valletta (Malta Island)
• Gozo Island
• St Julians (Malta Island)
• Mauritius Island
• Monte Carlo
• Montenegro:
• Montenegro Coast
• Mozambique:
• Etosha National Park
• Netherlands:
• Northern Ireland:
• Giants Causeway Coast
• Derry (Londonderry)
• The Wahiba Sands
• The Pearl (Doha)
• Reunion Island
• San Marino:
• San Marino City
• Sao Tome and Principe:
• Sao Tome Island
• Seychelles:
• Mahe Island
• Praslin Island
• Slovenian Riviera
• South Africa:
• Johannesburg
• Kruger National Park (Game Reserve)
• Switzerland:
• Moshi (Kilimanjaro)
• Cappadocia (Central Anatolia)
• United Arab Emirates:
• Livingstone
• Victoria Falls

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The one that combines history, adventure, natural beauty, food and fun times over 18 days

18 days, 8 countries

Accommodation

15 nights in Hostels, 2 nights in Special Stays

17 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

Average 43 people

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Dreaming of your European adventure, but don't know where to start? Welcome to the European Whirl. Taking in all the iconic hotspots you could want through Paris, Rome and Amsterdam, it also ventures to the east to the trendy must-see cities of Berlin and Prague, not to mention swoon-worthy flings with the Austrian Tyrol and Michelangelo's Florence. Along the way you can expect private boats through Venetian canals, an exclusive Paris by Night tour and a blissful balance of active adventures, local experiences, foodie hotspots and total relaxation. It's the perfect way to see this blockbuster continent in all its glory.

On the road to Net Zero

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Includes experiences & locations that suit just about everyone.

Includes the 'Classic' itinerary, exclusively for 18-22s (In Peak Season!).

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What currency do I need?

For this trip, we recommend that you carry the British Pound, Euro, Czech Koruna, Swiss Franc. (It’s a coin collector's dream!)

Can I share a room with my partner on this trip?

Usually, your trip manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.

How do I know when to book tickets for non-included attractions in Amsterdam?

This trip includes plenty of interesting Free Time Add-Ons in Amsterdam. So if you’re planning to do any other activity, and looking to book in advance - it’s best to book your tickets between 12-3PM. Of course, you can always book any other time (we’re all about freedom to explore!). But make sure you don’t miss the other activities, or a coach transfer to the accommodation!

General FAQs

What is contiki.

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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Katsuragawa powers to maiden title on home soil

Taiheiyo Club, Gotemba Course, Gotemba, Japan

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Top Stories

Five Things to Know: Volvo China Open 

Yuto Katsuragawa: What's in the bag? 

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry combine to win PGA TOUR's Zurich Classic of New Orleans

G4D Tour heading to the USA for the first time

The G4D Tour breaks new ground this week when the circuit for golfers with a disability visits the United States for the first time at the G4D Tour @ THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. Click here to stay across how it unfolds.

Mike Browne rises above limitations, ready to compete in G4D Tour at TPC Craig Ranch

Emergence of Japanese stars creating new legacy on the DP World Tour

With this win: Yuto Katsuragawa - ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP

ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP | Day 4 highlights

Yuto Katsuragawa: I can now go on the DP World Tour which is really great

Home hero Yuto Katsuragawa romps to victory in Japan

ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP - Day three digest

Featured video.

A history of the Volvo China Open

Asian Swing reaches an end as Volvo China Open returns to DP World Tour schedule

WATCH: Yuto Katsuragawa wins the ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP

Rugby World Cup winners Tindall and McCaw take on Luck of the Draw challenge

Casey Jarvis: I've worked pretty hard for this so I'll just go out tomorrow and stay patient

Race to Dubai Rankings Leaders

The latest rankings from the 2024 season.

Rory MCILROY

Rikuya HOSHINO

Jesper SVENSSON

Tommy FLEETWOOD

Ludvig ÅBERG

Joaquin NIEMANN

Adrian MERONK

Sebastian SÖDERBERG

Zander LOMBARD

Min Woo LEE

2024 season statistics, the numbers behind the leading players.

Driving Distance (yrds)

Wilco NIENABER

Average Putts Per Round

Andy SULLIVAN

Find out more, find out more about the dp world tour.

What is the DP World Tour?

The DP World Tour is the main men’s professional golf Tour of the European Tour group. 

All you need to know about the Race to Dubai

Everything you need to know about the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour. 

All you need to know about the Rolex Series

Everything you need to know about the Rolex Series on the DP World Tour.

About DP World

Find out more about DP World, the DP World Tour's title partner.

DP World Tour Partners

Grand European Cruise & Tour

From the canals of Amsterdam to the cobblestoned streets of Rome, this dream tour of Europe has it all. Explore cities that changed the course of history and sample a range of cuisines as you cruise around Europe’s most iconic destinations.

• Discover Amsterdam on an illuminating canal cruise and city tour
• Explore Hamburg, famous for its historical architecture and musical heritage
• Fall in love with Lisbon on a full-day port stop in this adored mecca for foodies
• Stroll the streets of Málaga, which inspired its most famous son, Pablo Picasso
• Experience the Renaissance in Florence

Zaanse Schans & Henri Willig Cheese Farm Visit

Experience the charming village of Zaanse Schans in Holland

Visit & Dinner at Tenuta Torciano

Enjoy a Tuscan style dinner

Activity level

• Very Active

Tour Includes

8 Countries

• Netherlands

Sightseeing

• Kristiansand

Cruise Accommodations

• Cruise aboard Costa Cruise Line’s  Diadema

Hotel Accommodations

• Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
• All meals and select drinks on the cruise
• 6 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners on land portion
• A professionally trained English-speaking local tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.

Baggage Handling

• To and from your hotel room and cruise ship cabin throughout your tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Rome, Italy

If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will greet you at the Airport and transport you to the hotel. This evening, relax on your own. Then get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner. (D)

Enjoy a half-day boat tour through Amsterdam’s scenic canals, where you will see the New Church, the National Monument, and the Skinny Bridge across the River Amstel. Your cruise concludes in central Amsterdam, at which point you will continue for a short time on foot before stopping for free time and lunch on your own. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. (B)

Add-On : Zaanse Schans & Henri Willig Cheese Farm Visit

Depart Amsterdam this morning and continue on to Bremen, where we will have ample time for lunch and leisure. One of Germany’s oldest coastal cities and known for its lively culture and attractions, Bremen’s City Hall is housed in a UNESCO-listed 15th century Gothic civic building. (B)

Atlantic Grand Hotel Bremen or similar

Start your day with a city tour of Hamburg. Standouts include the glass and brick Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall and the Medieval City’s half-timbered structures. After enjoying some free time in Hamburg, transfer to Kiel for embarkation. Get settled into your cabin this afternoon on the Costa Diadema. (B, D)

The Danish capital was first established in the tenth century, and during your time in this city you’ll have the chance to learn about its history. (B, L, D)

Spend the day enjoying Kristiansand, Norway’s southernmost city and one of its most popular tourism destinations. Nicknamed Norway’s Hollywood, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Norway’s fifth largest city. Sites include the Kristiansand Zoo, Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park, and Bystranda Beach. (B, L, D)

When you arrive in Le Havre, France, opportunities to tour the attractions of the Normandy countryside await as soon as you leave your ship, while the sights of Paris are only 2.5 hours by high-speed train. Omaha Beach, the site of D-Day, is another option for a day trip. (B, L, D)

La Coruña centers on a narrow peninsula that juts from Spain’s northern coast, and is known for it’s plentiful seafood at the world’s oldest working lighthouse. (B, L, D)

Welcome to Portugal’s hilly coastal capital, watched over by seven picturesque hills. Take in Lisbon’s historic streets and stately ruins, and sample some of its delectable cuisine. (B, L, D)

Cádiz boasts well-preserved ancient streets, seaside fortresses, and Moorish architecture infused with the easy going energy of contemporary Southern Spain. (B, L, D)

Barcelona boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as a long, sandy coastline, fabulous food, cultural and artistic exhibitions, and shopping. Use your time in this port to see Las Ramblas, Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, Olympic Park, and views from Montjuic. (B, L, D)

Marseille is France’s oldest city. Among the terracotta-roofed buildings lie many intriguing sights, including the majestic Palais Longchamp and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. (B, L, D)

Disembark this morning in Savona. Next, take a scenic drive to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Your night ends in Florence. (B)

Italiana Hotel and Resorts or similar

Wake up early for a walking tour of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. See the 13th century Duomo with the Brunelleschi dome and Giotto’s Campanile and marvel at Ghiberti’s golden “Gates of Paradise” doors at the Baptistery of St. John. Don’t miss the Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy lunch on your own before heading to Rome for an evening of leisure. (B)

H10 Roma or similar

This morning you’ll start your day in Rome with a panoramic city tour. Here you’ll see outside views of the Roman Forum, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the statues, fountains, and cobblestone expanse of the Piazza Navona. There’s also the lavish Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. There is history wherever you look in Rome, not to mention world-class shopping, outstanding food, and a vibrant culture. Spend the afternoon enjoying the Eternal City on your own or enjoy a YMT optional tour. The evening ends with a memorable included farewell feast. (B, D)

Add-On : Visit & Dinner at Tenuta Torciano

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

FREE ONBOARD CREDIT

Inquire Now

Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare. Passport required.

Add airfare?

We’ll get back to you soon. To secure an exclusive limited-time offer for your trip, call 888-860-1969 now to uncover our best-kept secret deals!

Balcony Cabin

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Oceanview Cabin

Inside Cabin

Please ask your YMT Sales Consultant to check availability.

Yes, triples are permitted (depending on availability).

You should arrive in Amsterdam no later than 3pm.

No, not at this time.

Yes, this cruise tour will have a YMT cruise host on board the ship to assist guests.

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Call us for pricing, and remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Strap on your clogs and hold on to your bonnet! Today you get to experience Holland as it once was in the charming village of Zaanse Schans, where the 18th and 19th centuries are brought to life. Visit a colorful, postcard-pretty windmill slowly turning on the banks of the River Zaan. These icons of Holland were essential pieces of medieval-era technology that transformed dense wetlands into productive fields and farms. Stop at a clog factory, where you can watch artisans craft traditional wooden shoes. Next,, visit  the Henri Willig Cheese Farm for a cheese-making demonstration, and the chance to sample their bestsellers. Your tour ends with free time. Be sure to stop by one of Zaanse Schans’ famous bakeries to stock up on delicious pastries!

Guided tour of Zaanse Schans including visit to windmill, wooden clog demonstration, and a Dutch cheese tasting

Duration : Approx. Half Day (Afternoon)

Activity Level : Easy/Moderate

Price : $129 USD (2024) & $139 USD (2025)

Enjoy a special cellar tour of Tenuta Torciano and sit down for a four-course Tuscan style dinner paired with the region’s best wines!

• Visit the vineyards and wine cellars
• Dinner in the winery with wine and olive oil tasting
• Menu includes:  Appetizers: Tuscan cheeses and salami, bruschetta; First Course: Truffle lasagna and Tuscan ribollita soup; Second Course: Roast meat with potatoes and vegetables; Desserts: Cantuccini Biscuits with dessert wine

Note : In case of intolerance or allergies, alert the staff during the booking and before the tasting.  Menu variations available on request.

Duration : Approx. 2 Hours (Evening)

Activity Level : Easy

Price : $89 USD

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McIlroy and Lowry team up for New Orleans victory. Green repeats on LPGA Tour

AVONDALE, La. — Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event Sunday, beating Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer with a par on the first hole of a playoff.

Trainer pushed a 6-foot par putt to the right of the cup to end it, with Lowry and McIlroy sharing a smiling embrace on the green.

The 34-year-old McIlroy, playing in the event for the first time, won his 25th PGA Tour title and first of the season. Lowry claimed his third PGA Tour victory. The Irish tandem closed with a 4-under 68 in the alternate-shot final round to match Ramey and Trainer at 25-under 263.

Ramey and Trainer began the day tied for 27th and shot to the top of the leaderboard with nine birdies between the seventh and 18th holes. They tied the alternate-shot tournament record of 63, but then had to wait nearly three hours to see if their lead would stand up.

They struggled to execute on the playoff hole. Trainer pulled his drive into the left rough, Ramey also yanked his approach left off the cart path and into the wall below the suites around the 18th green. Trainer then chipped short before Ramey finally got onto the green.

Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard missed the playoff by one shot when Brehm’s birdie putt from the fringe narrowly missed to the right. Former BYU teammates Patrick Fishburn and Zach Blair, the 54-hole leaders, were tied for the lead until failing to birdie the par-5 16th and taking double bogey on the par-3 17th.

LOS ANGELES — Hannah Green closed with a 5-under 66 and won LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship for the second straight year, holing out twice from off the greens in a pivotal back-nine stretch at Wilshire Country Club.

A year after making a 25-foot birdie on the final hole of regulation and winning on the second hole of a playoff, Green took the drama out of this one for her fifth LPGA Tour victory and second of the year.

Green began the key run with a chip-in birdie on the par-3 12th and made a 6-foot birdie putt on the par-5 13th. Then, after Stark bogeyed the par-4 16th two groups ahead, Green ran in a 25-footer for eagle from the fringe on 15 to open a four-stroke lead, and she made it 5 under in five holes with a birdie on 16.

Stark birdied her last two holes for a 68. The 24-year-old Swede also finished second last week outside Houston in The Chevron Championship, two strokes behind top-ranked Nelly Korda in the first major of the year.

Grace Kim, four strokes ahead entering the weekend, closed 76-77 without making a birdie the last two days. She tied for 25th.

LIV GOLF LEAGUE

ADELAIDE, Australia — Brendan Steele closed with a 4-under 68 to hold off Louis Oosthuizen and win LIV Golf Adelaide by one shot at The Grange Golf Club.

The 41-year-old Steele finished with a 54-hole total of 18-under 198 for his first victory since he won his second Safeway Open in 2017 on the PGA Tour.

Steele had a streak of five consecutive birdies early in the round, before some putting jitters appeared in his back nine to open the door for a fast finishing pack of challenges including Oosthuizen (65) and former previous Masters champions Charl Schwartzel (64) and Jon Rahm (64).

Schwartzel and Rahm were among a group of five players at 16-under 200, with Joaquin Niemann (66), Andy Ogletree (65) and Dean Burmester (67) in a tie for third.

Defending champion Talor Gooch shot 70 and finished in a tie for 26th at 10-under.

Australia-based Ripper won the team title on the second playoff hole against South African-based Stingers.

EUROPEAN TOUR AND JAPAN GOLF TOUR

GOTEMBA, Japan — Yuto Katsuragawa began the back nine with five birdies in seven holes that carried him to a 7-under 63 and a three-shot victory in the ISPS Handa Championship, the third Japanese player this year to claim a European tour title.

The tournament was co-sanctioned with the Japan Golf Tour. Katsuragawa follows Rikuya Hoshino at the Commercial Qatar Masters and Keita Nakajima in the Hero Indian Open for Japanese winners. A year ago, Ryo Hisatsune won the French Open.

Katsuragawa started the final round three shots out of the lead, but got into the mix when 54-hole leader Casey Jarvis and Yannik Paul faltered on the front nine. The 25-year-old pulled away and won by three over Sebastian Soderberg, who had a 67.

Jarvis closed with a 74 to tie for 18th. Paul, who started one shot behind, shot 76. It was a missed opportunity for Paul, in the mix for the second and final spot for Germany in the Olympics.

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

DULUTH, Ga. — Stephen Ames celebrated his 60th birthday with a successful title defense in the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, closing with a 5-under 67 for his eighth PGA Tour Champions victory.

A stroke behind Paul Broadhurst after matching the tournament record Saturday with a 64, Ames had two eagles in the final round. He won by four strokes, finishing at 14-under 202 at TPC Sugarloaf for his record third victory in the event.

Broadhurst, the 58-year-old Englishman coming off a victory last week in the Invited Celebrity Classic, closed with a 72 to tie for second with Doug Barron (69). K.J. Choi (70) and Steven Alker (71) were 9 under.

Ames became the first multiple winner this year on the tour, also taking the Chubb Classic in February. He has six victories in his last 29 starts after winning twice in his first 175 — the first at TPC Sugarloaf in 2017 — on the 50-and-over tour.

KORN FERRY TOUR

ARLINGTON, Texas — Tim Widing of Sweden won for the second straight week on the Korn Ferry Tour, closing with an 8-under 63 to cap off a week of low scoring with a four-shot victory in the Veritex Bank Championship.

The week began with Frankie Capan III posting a 58 for the third sub-60 round on the Korn Ferry Tour this year. It ended with Widing’s worst score of the week a 65 on Saturday.

He finished at 31-under 253 to boost his position atop the Korn Ferry Tour points list as he closes in on a PGA Tour card.

Myles Creighton of Canada closed with a 62 to finish second, followed by Trent Phillips (65). Capan wound up seven shots behind in fourth place. None of the Korn Ferry Tour players who broke 60 this year have gone on to win.

OTHER TOURS

Juliana Hung of Taiwan closed with a 5-under 67 for a nine-shot victory in the IOA Championship on the Epson Tour. ... Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson won his second Challenge Tour of the year, closing with a 5-under 67 for a one-shot victory over Wilco Nienaber in the UAE Challenge in Abu Dhabi. ... Manon De Roey of Belgium capped off a four-shot victory with an even-par 72 in the Investec South African Women’s Open on the Ladies European Tour. ... Stuart MacDonald of Canada closed with a 1-under 71 for a two-shot victory over Samuel Anderson in the Diners Club Peru Open on the Tour de Americas. ... Haruka Amamoto closed with a 6-under 66 for a two-shot victory in the Panasonic Open on the Japan LPGA. ... Jungmin Lee won the KLPGA Championship by closing with a 6-under 66 for a four-shot victory on the Korea LPGA.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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Anderson ends ten-year wait for European Tour title

Gary Anderson ended his ten-year wait for a European Tour title in Sindelfingen on Sunday, defeating Ross Smith 8-6 in the final of the NEO.bet European Darts Grand Prix.

Competing in just his fourth European Tour event since bringing a seven-year hiatus from the circuit to an end in 2023, crowd favourite Anderson was a popular winner at the Glaspalast.

The Scot began Finals Day with an eye-catching last 16 win over Gerwyn Price, before coming through a last-leg decider with Josh Rock in the quarter-finals.

Anderson overcame Rob Cross 7-5 in the semi-finals before seeing off Smith to double his European Tour title tally.

"It's been a very long time [since winning a stage title]," reflected Anderson, who rises three places to 21st on the PDC Order of Merit.

"Many years ago when I played in the European Tour the crowd was just starting to grow and since then it's just got bigger and bigger.

"Wherever you go now, people want to play darts and watch darts; these crowds are incredible.

"I don't know how I've won it tonight; my last three games I've never been as lucky in darts."

A hard-fought final saw both players struggling to find top form and looked to be going the distance as Anderson levelled at 6-6.

The turning point came in the following leg as the two-time World Champion struck a 121 checkout to break throw and move within a leg of victory.

Smith missed seven darts to break back, allowing Anderson to tidy up 43 and deny the former European Champion a maiden European Tour title.

"I can't complain, I'm gutted but I'll be back on the practice board and keep working hard," said Smith, who defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-6 in a thrilling semi-final. "Congratulations to Gary, everyone knows how good he is; he's just Gary Anderson! "I'll take getting to the final all day long and hopefully will go one better next time."

The PDC European Tour resumes next weekend - April 26-28 with the NEO.bet Austrian Darts Open in Graz. The tournament will be broadcast live on PDCTV, exclusively on DAZN in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, through Viaplay in various territories and through bookmakers' websites worldwide.

Click here for match stats & results .

NEO.bet European Darts Grand Prix Sunday April 21 Third Round Afternoon Session Josh Rock 6-5 Michael Smith Gary Anderson 6-4 Gerwyn Price Rob Cross 6-1 Danny Noppert Luke Humphries 6-5 Stephen Bunting Ross Smith 6-5 Ritchie Edhouse Damon Heta 6-2 Scott Williams Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Jonny Clayton Gabriel Clemens 6-3 Dave Chisnall

Evening Session Quarter-Finals Gary Anderson 6-5 Josh Rock Rob Cross 6-2 Luke Humphries Ross Smith 6-5 Damon Heta Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Gabriel Clemens Semi-Finals Gary Anderson 7-5 Rob Cross Ross Smith 7-6 Michael van Gerwen Final Gary Anderson 8-6 Ross Smith

European Tour

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Seven Countries, Venice & Paris

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Coach / Bus

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
• Day 2 LONDON
• Day 3 LONDON–BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
• Day 4 BRUSSELS–RHINE CRUISE, GERMANY–FRANKFURT AREA
• Day 5 FRANKFURT AREA–ROTHENBURG–INNSBRUCK AREA, AUSTRIA
• Day 6 INNSBRUCK AREA–BRENNER PASS–VENICE AREA, ITALY
• Day 7 VENICE AREA–VERONA–LUCERNE AREA, SWITZERLAND
• Day 8 LUCERNE AREA–DIJON, FRANCE
• Day 9 DIJON–PARIS
• Day 10 PARIS

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by cosmos.

The Cosmos Story. For nearly 60 years, Cosmos has done something remarkable: Bringing the world to people; and people to the world. By pioneering value touring vacations, we have a long history of turning travel dreams into reality. We make possible “never thought I would” or “never imagined I could” moments by making travel attainable and easy. And in doing that, we help travelers expand their horizons, clear their heads and open their hearts to the world around them. Cosmos understands that adventure is waiting for us – all of us – out in the world. And there simply is no better time than the present to discover new sights, new sensations and new experiences. That’s why we pride ourselves in turning “what if” moments into “I did” realizations. With our new look and feel, we’re celebrating this ideal and the unparalleled and attainable access we offer our travelers to the globe with value-centric vacations in 64 countries, on six continents. Let the unexpected begin. Let awe-inspiring take over. Adventure is knocking. As a Cosmos traveler, we know you will answer – as you always have – by finding adventure in the world around you.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Itinerary Good 3.3
• Guide Excellent 4.7
• Transport Good 4.0
• Accommodation Average 2.3
• Food Rather poor 2.0
• Tour Operator Cosmos 4.9
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• A Amy · 14th October 2023 Our guide George and Driver Simone made the trip! Weather was perfect Our tour mates awesone Hotels could have been a bit nicer. Breakfast was good Wish it wouldn't have ended Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Donna · 12th October 2023 We knew our trip was going to be fast and on a time schedule and it was good. I wish since this was our second trip with. Globus to Norway, I would love passengers had name tags, even only first names, we have always made lifetime new friends but hard... Show more Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Scott · 11th October 2023 We sought a broad survey of countries for our first overseas experience and this tour fullfilled our expectations. Our guide(George) and driver(Simone) were the perfect fit for our personalities. Both provided great direction and command as we... Show more Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Noormahomed · 11th October 2023 A big thank you to our tour director Luigi Pasquale and our coach driver Fernando for their patience and assistance throughout the trip. It was a great experience and fun travelling with Cosmos Tour. The hotel accommodations were superb and the service... Show more Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Adriana · 9th October 2023 Hello Cosmos, Thank-you for an amazing dream come true Holiday experience. My friend Jay and I enjoyed every moment. The only thing we wished was that it was longer! so next time we will plan a longer tour. Our tour Guide Luigi was they life of the... Show more Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Cosmos

• NP Nivedita · 10th August 2023 George our Tour guide and Paulo our Bus driver were really awesome and made the holiday very enjoyable for our family. Trip date: July 2023
• A Flordeliza · 13th July 2023 Keep up your good work and your relationship to all your guest,, best of luck! Thank you so much Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Charles · 6th July 2023 My first travel experience with the Cosmos agency was well done. Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• August 2025
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• October 2025
• November 2025
• Saturday 4 May, 2024 Monday 13 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,270 See Similar Tours For These Dates
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• Saturday 18 May, 2024 Monday 27 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,270 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 25 May, 2024 Monday 3 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,298 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 Monday 10 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,270 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 8 Jun, 2024 Monday 17 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,356 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 5 Other Unavailable Departures
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 15 Jun, 2024 Monday 24 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,298 Confirm Dates
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• Saturday 13 Jul, 2024 Monday 22 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,298 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 20 Jul, 2024 Monday 29 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,394 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
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Frequently Asked Questions

A trip note - which contains essential information about your trip will be given to you. Information such as the daily itinerary, where to meet on the first day, what time the trip starts, how to get to the joining point hotel, included activities, visa information, etc will be mentioned in there. Please contact us for this.

Tips and gratuities are not included in the price, and are completely at your own discretion whilst on the trip. Whilst tipping in restaurants is common in Europe (no more than 5% usually) it is not typical to tip for other services.

The age range for this tour is 8 - 99 years old. Children under 8 are unable to participate in this tour, however, there is no strict upper age limit. If passengers feel comfortable with the itinerary then they are welcome to join the tour!

TourRadar specializes in giving you the best tours from around the world, however the tours we offer do not include airfare and we do not book or advise on airfare. You will be responsible for booking your flights to meet with the group at the starting city. We do not recommend booking airfare before confirming your tour. A good website to search for great prices would be kayak.com and/or skyscanner.com.

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Italy £ Pound Sterling England Fr. Swiss Franc Switzerland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, L, J, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, L, J.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 18th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 18th June 2024, a minimum payment of €250 is required to confirm your booking with Cosmos. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 50 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Cosmos will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Cosmos" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Austrian Darts Open: 'Generational talent' Luke Littler claims second European Tour title after beating Joe Cullen

The Austrian Darts Open is Luke Littler's fourth title on his debut year; The 17-year-old also sits at the top of the BetMGM Premier League Darts table; watch Night 14 of the Premier League Darts, in Aberdeen, live on Sky Sports on Thursday May 2

Monday 29 April 2024 07:20, UK

Luke Littler cruised to an 8-4 victory over Joe Cullen to win the Austrian Darts Open in Graz on Sunday and claim his second European Tour title, Cullen praising the youngster as a "generational talent".

The 17-year-old Premier League Darts leader produced another top-drawer display as he swept past 'The Rockstar' 8-4 in the final, hitting four 180s with a match average of just over 102.

It was a second PDC European Tour title for 'The Nuke', who won the Belgian Open in March on what was his event debut.

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Sunday's final at the Steiermarkhalle had stayed on throw until the eighth leg, when Littler took out 65 on double top to move 5-3 ahead.

Luke Littler collects the coveted Green Jacket in Austria 🇦🇹 Hear from our two finalists after a thrilling finale to the 2024 https://t.co/Nw9IKxvF5P Austrian Darts Open... pic.twitter.com/V5RdzhizS9 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 28, 2024

Although Cullen immediately broke back, Littler put the hammer down again to take the 10th leg against the throw and regain control.

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Littler held the next leg to move one away from victory - which he delivered with another break after a clinical 71 checkout on the bullseye.

"I'm happy to get over the line on this one. we started off well but I stuck at it and Joe started to fall off and I managed to get over the line," Littler said.

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"I said Belgium was good but this crowd is so much better. This weekend has been good, the crowd has helped me so much.

"If I do well and get into the other majors and I'm secure in myself then I can drop out of stuff and take the days off and just chill, so winning this has done me really well."

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Cullen was magnanimous in defeat and took time to praise Littler, who he believes will define a generation of darts players.

"To be honest, I was rubbish, he played better than me and did what he had to do at the right time," Cullen said.

"I was not very good. I'm disappointed with the way I played but congratulations to Luke, he's a generational talent. I think I've practised more in the last hour than he has all week."

Cullen had earlier held off Masters champion Stephen Bunting to win their semi-final 7-5 while Littler built on two breaks of throw to coast past Ross Smith 7-2 with a match average over 105.

In his quarter-final, Littler had not quite hit top form as he edged past Danny Noppert in a deciding leg following a fightback by the Dutchman.

Elsewhere in the last eight, Cullen landed three 180s and threw an average of 104 in his 6-3 victory over Gian van Veen.

Bunting held off Germany's Martin Schindler to come through in the final leg before Smith completed an impressive 6-1 win over former world champion Michael van Gerwen.

In Sunday's third-round action during the afternoon session, Cullen had beaten top seed Dave Chisnall 6-3 while Schindler put out Welshman Jonny Clayton by the same score.

Littler came from behind to win five straight legs and defeat Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 before Dutchman van Gerwen then closed out a 6-4 win over Peter Wright.

Watch Night 14 of Premier League Darts, in Aberdeen, live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm on Thursday May 2 or stream with NOW .

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Meet 2024’s ‘American Idol’ Top 10 Contestants

Up close and personal with the top singers of season 22.

By Fred Bronson

Fred Bronson

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For 22 seasons and running, American Idol has unveiled which contestants have qualified for the competition’s most elite tier, the top 10. This season is no exception, with the names of the final 10 being announced on Monday (April 22) evening’s live broadcast on ABC.

For over a decade now, Billboard has been first in line to sit down with each finalist and conduct their first in-depth interviews. Earlier this week, Billboard sat down with the top 14 performers to talk about their formative years, their Idol experiences to date and how they envision their futures.

On Sunday (April 21), the top 14 performed songs by members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (the Rock Hall’s Class of 2024 was also revealed during the episode by Ryan Seacrest and Rock Hall member Lionel Richie). At the end of the two-hour episode, Jordan Anthony and Nya were eliminated from the competition.

On Monday night, the theme was Billboard No. 1 Hits, a subject first presented in season two and again in season four. The episode saw the end of two more journeys, with contestants Roman Collins and Jayna Elise leaving the show.

Below, Billboard goes deep with season 22’s top 10 contestants as well as the four contestants eliminated over the last few days.

To quote Ryan Seacrest, here they are, in no particular order. (Well, that isn’t strictly true, as we present them alphabetically – first the newly-minted top 10 and then the four singers who were eliminated over the last two days).

Jack Blocker

Born : June 8, 1998 – Dallas, Texas

Musical Influences:  John Prine, Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, OutKast, Tyler the Creator, White Stripes, Green Day

First  Idol  Experience:  “I was four when the show started. My parents watched the first season and said we were all going to watch the next year, so I remember Ruben (Studdard) and Clay (Aiken).”

Jack Blocker did not grow up in a musical family. His earliest memories of music are from the traditional church he attended as a child. “Once a month, someone would come in with an acoustic guitar and they would do stripped-down worship music and I thought it was cool. In high school I was listening to older country artists and that’s when I fell in love with music. At 16 I picked up the guitar and tried to learn their songs. I attended a Christian high school and played in a student-led worship band. That’s when I figured out I could sing and started writing songs in my bedroom for fun.”

Blocker is self-taught on guitar thanks to YouTube. He still hasn’t taken any lessons and never had vocal coaching until he auditioned for American Idol . The first song he wrote was “Finally Home,” which he recorded with the band he had in college, Rightfield. They played gigs while attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where Blocker majored in communications. “When bands would come through, we’d message them to see if we could open for them. Then we did some traveling and were able to make half a living playing gigs.”

At this point, Blocker had not decided on making music as a full-time job. “I was considering every career besides being a musician. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had no real perception of what having a career in music would look like. Growing up in Dallas, I didn’t really know anyone who did that.”

In 2022, Blocker became a solo artist. “My wife and I and my bandmate Reed Hoelscher moved to Nashville. We weren’t experiencing that much growth in Dallas and so we tried to push ourselves. It was difficult. In Dallas and Arkansas, we were the only people performing alt-rock music. In Nashville, everyone is doing the same thing and probably a little better than you and they know more people than you. Trying to make an impression was a bit of a culture shock. We were competing with all the other artists around us and we were losing. I realized I needed to write. My wife was really supportive. She felt this was something I was supposed to be doing, so I started making music that I really cared about and doing it on my own.”

Blocker has already learned a valuable lesson from his Idol journey. “I have been encouraged throughout the whole process to be myself as an artist, to find your wheelhouse and go 100% toward that. I haven’t been trying to compete with anybody else on the show, like go head-to-head and out sing this one person. I’ve been getting to sing songs that I love and I’ve just been really encouraged throughout the show that people respond to that authenticity. Luke said, ‘If you’re doing Jack Blocker, you’re doing the right thing.’ That meant the world to me.”

McKenna Faith Breinholt

Born : Aug. 19, 1998 – Mesa, Ariz.

Favorite Alums:   David Archuleta, David Cook, Lauren Spencer-Smith

Musical Influences:   Adele, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift

First  Idol  Experience:  “I watched the season that David Cook and David Archuleta were on. That was the most memorable Idol for me.”

Born in Mesa, Ariz., and raised in nearby Gilbert, McKenna Faith Breinholt’s earliest musical memory is from when she was seven years old, playing songs by ear on her piano. “I would hear music on television and would go to my little keyboard and pick them out. I thought it was awesome that I could play. My parents thought it was really cool and they bought a bigger keyboard. The first song I played on that was ‘Apologize’ by Timbaland and OneRepublic.”

Breinholt confesses, “I took piano lessons to learn theory. I was cheating the whole time. I wasn’t listening to it, and then I got caught. Yeah, I’m not great with piano lessons! I couldn’t sing very well at the time. I wasn’t really a great singer until I picked up the guitar. My guitar teacher required all students to sing, and that’s how I found my voice.”

By the time she was 14, she was performing in talent shows and in church on Sundays, just with piano or guitar. “I never was accompanied by anyone. I’d always play by myself. Then I sang in my high school talent show and that was probably one of the best performances ever for me. People saw that video and asked me to start working with them after that. Rob Gardner, who Breinholt describes as “a crazily talented musician from Arizona,” had her cover Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” and Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).” “He had me take great iconic songs and turn them into orchestra pieces with choir and we went around performing in Arizona every year. One of my videos with him (“Hallelujah”) got over 12 million views on YouTube.

Although Breinholt said during her Idol audition that her family has no musical talent, she corrected herself while talking to Billboard . “They were offended when I said that. They all have great ears. My dad can play a little bit at the piano. My grandpa plays the guitar. Everyone can mess around here and there.”

Asked what the most valuable lesson she has learned on her Idol journey so far, Breinholt says, “To have a good time and cherish every single moment and make friends too. Yes, you have to be in a certain mindset when you’re on stage and when you’re rehearsing, but we’re never going to get this opportunity again. It’s all about the people and the things that we’re doing and being in the moment because it’s going to go away real quick.”

The Arizonan already has a vision for her future. “My ultimate goal is to release a song after the show and it takes off and I’m touring and performing in front of hundreds of thousands. I know it’s going to take a lot of work to get there, but that’s the goal.”

Born : July 31, 2002 – Indio, Calif.

Favorite Alums:  Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, David Archuleta, Adam Lambert, Jordin Sparks

Musical Influences:  Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, My Chemical Romance, Paramore

First  Idol  Experience:  “We always watched the fails. That used to be the greatest part of this show, seeing people absolutely lose their minds in an audition room. I was at my aunt’s house in Idyllwild [Calif.] and I remember looking at Carrie Underwood and telling my mom, ‘I want to do it now.’ And she said, ‘You’re not old enough.’ ‘Well, how freaking old do I have to be?’ I was eight.”

“My mom always sang lullabies to us,” Abi Carter says when asked about her earliest musical memory. “But the first true song I remember is the intro credits song to (Nickelodeon’s 2006 film) Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses . There are no words. It’s so beautiful to me and I wanted to be a ballerina and a singer.”

Carter isn’t the only singer in her family. “My mom got a full scholarship to university. She went on a voice scholarship, but she had kids and that made it impossible for her to continue. All my siblings sing. I was the only one who really loved it and wanted to pursue it and felt a deep connection with music. But we’re always singing around the house.”

As a young girl, Carter says she idolized Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson. “I grew up in a really religious family, so we weren’t allowed to listen to all kinds of music, but my mom bought a Carrie Underwood album and it got stuck in our little CD player in our old broken down van and so that was all we could listen to for a really long time. So I love Carrie Underwood. I’m not a country singer, but sometimes I’ll sing something that’s just a little bit country.”

Carter wrote her first song relatively recently. “It’s called ‘Still Breathing.’ I wrote it about a friend of mine who I was very close to growing up. “We would sit in her computer room and talk about the future and about what life was going to be like and how she was going to decorate her apartment when she moved out. When she went away to college, I was so excited for her because she was so excited to start her life and she ended up getting into drugs and it just absolutely changed who she was chemically. I wrote that song about her not being able to respond anymore. I don’t even know if she is still alive. I didn’t know if she was still breathing. I wrote that in late 2020/early 2021.”

Reflecting on lessons learned so far from being on American Idol , Carter explains, “I grew up being home schooled. When I entered high school, I went for less than a semester and had to leave to help my family. And I just assumed that coming to Los Angeles to audition that everybody here was going to be fake. I had a mindset of what Hollywood was like and what the music business was like and thought I was going to be around gorgeous people who are gorgeous because of the plastic surgery and would treat me like I was less than. But what I’ve learned is that friends are so much closer than you think and all you have to do is get out to make them. I didn’t grow up with a lot of friends. I only had one at a time. Any prejudice I had has been sucked out of me because I’m surrounded by many people who are so different and yet we’re all the same. There’s something that you can relate to in everybody. I’ve learned that the world is so much bigger but so much more connected than we think.”

As for her future, Carter says, “I want to be an artist. I’ve never felt so passionately about something. I went to school and got a psychology degree because I figured if I can’t express my emotions through something artistically, maybe I can just help other people express their emotions. I was going to be a family therapist.” But then she was asked to audition for American Idol , and she thought, “I’ve never done something for myself. I had to start working young and leave high school to help my family. When this opportunity came along, I thought, ‘If I get a master’s in psychology and have a stable job, I’ll never have this opportunity to pursue what I love because I’ll have so much more on my plate then.’ I want to perform. I want people to be able to relate to my songs the way that we relate to Taylor Swift songs. I used to be scared about stage presence, like I don’t know what to do with my arms. I’m not a dancer. When you think about a home-schooled kid, I’m about as awkward as they come. But I’ve never felt so energetic before. It’s so much fun.”

Julia Gagnon

Born : March 29, 2002 – Guatemala City, Guatemala

Favorite Alums:  Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, Wé Ani

Musical Influences:  Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo

First  Idol  Experience:  Always aware of it, her parents didn’t watch TV, so she didn’t see a complete season until last year, when she and her now-fiancé watched all of the episodes of season 21 on Hulu to prepare for a local Idol -type competition.

Julia Gagnon was born in Guatemala and after being adopted, was raised in Cumberland, Maine. There was a grand piano in the house and Gagnon remembers banging on the keys as a two-year-old until her parents bought her a toy piano. While she doesn’t recall, her mother assures her that as a very young child, she would sing around the house and in pre-school. That stopped until middle school, when Gagnon saw two musicals on Broadway – Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera . “ Phantom was my favorite and I thought, ‘I really want to do that. It would be amazing.’ I entered a talent show and sang ‘Popular’ from Wicked . My chorus teacher Nora Krainis heard me sing and said, ‘I’m not going to let you avoid this anymore. You need to share this with the world and I’m going to help you.’ She was a very strict woman and I replied, ‘Alright. I’ll do what you say.’ She gave me some solos in our chorus concerts and then I was in some of our high school musicals, like Beauty and the Beast , Sister Act and The Addams Family .” I only sang in school. Competitions made me nervous and I didn’t like the idea of auditioning.”

Like the rest of the top 10, Gagnon’s Idol journey began months before season 22 started airing on ABC. From then until today, what is the most important thing she has learned? “It may sound cheesy, but to be yourself. It’s easier said than done. For a long time during this competition, I was trying to be a heightened version of myself, singing hard-hitting soul songs every time. But then I realized that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you always need to. You can hold back. You can let loose. You can have intimate moments and diva moments and it can all be you. You could be vulnerable. You could be soft. You can change your tone. You can tell a story and that is really important. The last couple of rounds, I was struggling with who I was.”

Gagnon’s biggest surprise during her Idol run so far is the competition itself. “We’re such a close-knit family, being together for so long and learning from each other. It doesn’t feel like a competition anymore. It’s such a diverse group that I didn’t expect it to be so familial and supportive.” Support is nothing new to Gagnon. “My parents supported my music even before I knew I wanted to do it. My mom put me in piano lessons and I hated it. She had me play trombone and I hated it. But she’s always been pushing me to be artistic and creative. I think my dad just wants me to be me and said he wasn’t really pushing me in any direction but the second I said, ‘Music is very important to me,’ he’s been unwaveringly supportive and in such a dad way too. He cheers on the sidelines like it’s sports. It’s not a theater cheer. It’s like stand up and ‘Let’s go!’ But I love that. They’re both very excited for me.”

Looking ahead, Gagon says, “If I could design my future, I would incorporate the things that are important to me as much as I can into a music career. So still staying close to family and still writing songs that are close to my heart. That would be the dream, to have everything that I need to support me and having enough love to share and give out my music and performance and art.”

Triston Harper

Born : June 17, 2008 – Mobile, Ala.

Favorite Alums: Colin Stough, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chayce Beckham

Musical Influences: Johnny Cash, Charles Johnson

First Idol Experience: “I’ve always watched since I was a little boy. My favorite thing was the funny auditions where people would walk in and they would sing and we would just die and then someone would walk in and just blow your mind.”

Raised in McIntosh, Ala., Triston Harper found music before he was even born. “My mama sang nursery rhymes to me when I was in the womb. Later, she taught me how to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ on the piano.”

When he was six, Harper sang in church with his grandaddy. “It was homecoming and there was a butt load of people there and they requested for me to sing. So he got up there with me and we sang and everybody loved it. I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” Harper continued to sing in school. “They always put me out front. I sang. I preached. When we moved to Conway in Arkansas, they put me in choir to learn how to read music. After that, I forgot everything, and I’ve been unable to read music ever since. So I just listen and I’ll grab my guitar and pick it up.” Harper wrote his first song when he was seven. “It’s called ‘I’m Yours, You’re Mine.’ It is God talking to me. I still sing it.”

Even though he has watched American Idol all of his life, Harper says he didn’t have the courage to audition until last year. “My grandaddy said, ‘One day, boy, it might be you.’ I never thought it would happen. An ad [for auditions] kept popping up and I kept swiping it away. The Lord spoke to me and said, ‘If you take a step toward me, I’ll take two toward you.’ So I signed up with all my information and I’m here.”

Only 15, Harper has already learned valuable lessons during his time on Idol . “When your mentors and your vocal coach tell you to do something, they’ve got your best interests and they want to see you progress far in this competition. So be yourself and make the right song choices and put your faith in yourself.”

One of Harper’s mentors this season was Jelly Roll, who said the youngster had the soul of a 75-year-old. “I get that a lot,” Harper tells Billboard . “I try to give people a lot of advice and they say I’m young but they take it and go a long way with it. I’ve been through a lot and I know what to do in situations and I give people hope and courage so they don’t turn to drugs or alcohol. My teachers are surprised because I’ve taught them a lot about decisions they’ve made that weren’t the best. They say, ‘I should have listened to Triston.’”

The teenager admits it was surreal standing in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. “The first time I did, I was shocked. The second time I was like, ‘Okay.’ The third time I was getting used to them and now I look at them as aunts and uncles. They’re family now.”

Harper has taken in their advice. “Katy Perry told me about my pronunciation, that she wants to hear what I’m saying and I’ve tried my best in this competition to pronounce my words more than when they first met me. Lionel Richie told me to be me, to keep that old Alabama soul. Luke Bryan smiled at me and said I’m doing what I’m supposed to. When you hear that from people you look up to, it means the world.”

Asked what he wants his future to look like, it was clear he has given the subject a lot of thought. “I’ve got about 60 some acres, living in a nice home. We have four kids and I’ve been married to my wife about 20 some years and last Saturday I performed at an arena with people singing along with my songs.”

Born : May 22, 2003 – Ogden, Utah

Favorite Alum:  Carrie Underwood

Musical Influences:  Katy Perry, Adele, Carrie Underwood

First  Idol  Experience:  “I watched Carrie Underwood. She was a small-town girl living her small-town life and then her life changed overnight, and I related to her.”

Kaibrienne grew up an hour away from her birthplace, in Henefer, Utah. She describes it as a “super-small town.” She had two gateways to music. “I listened on YouTube, and I listened to my older sister sing. She would jam out in our car to Katy Perry hits like ‘California Gurls,’ ‘Teenage Dream’ and ‘Last Friday Night.’” So what was it like when Kaibrienne first met Katy? “I was freaking out. I could never have imagined that I would have the opportunity to meet her. I haven’t told her yet about my sister.”

Kaibrienne says her parents were not musical, but her sisters had leads and other parts in their high school musicals. “I thought that I would want to do that. I loved watching them in  Les Misérables ,  Hairspray  and  The Music Man .”

In school, Kaibrienne was active in sports and cheerleading. “Then I was listening to a girl on YouTube sing ‘Hallelujah’ and I told my family I wanted to sing it at a school talent show. None of them knew I had been singing alone in my room so I sang it for them and they said I should definitely do that. My focus at the time was on tumbling but after that I loved singing.”

At the talent show, one of Kaibrienne’s teachers leaned over to her father and said, “She has a God-given gift. She’s going to do big things.”

“There weren’t a lot of opportunities, but my dad tried to find places where I could sing. I struggled with performance anxiety where my hands and feet and face would go numb. My throat would go dry. And so I never wanted to perform. I practiced and I hated it. I thought I sounded so much better than what I was able to give. Things fell apart with cheerleading and tumbling so I was trying to find my place in the world. I tried out for high school musicals and I was in  Shrek ,  Into the Woods  and  High School Musical .

How did Kaibrienne overcome her anxiety? “My dad posted videos of me singing in the car on TikTok. They started going viral. He told me, ‘Look at all these people who believe in you.’ But I still wouldn’t sing outside of the car. Over the summer I was working in sales, knocking on people’s doors. I’m in the middle of Florida and a pastor opened his door. He didn’t know anything about me. But he said, ‘This isn’t what you were sent here to do. I feel like you have a dream that you are running from.’ I told him he was exactly right. He said, “God wouldn’t have given you this gift if there wasn’t a way to work through it. If you take this seriously, big things are going to happen for you in the next year.’”

That was the last door Kaibrienne knocked on. “The second I got home I started singing alone again. I studied guitar and began writing songs and then  Idol  reached out to me and everything fell into place.” So it’s no surprise what Kaibrienne has learned from her  Idol  journey to date. “I’ve learned to love myself in a lot of ways. Being on the show has instilled a lot of confidence in me that I didn’t have before. Even during my audition, I felt insecure. I’ve learned I’m here because I sound like me, not because I sound like anyone else. I’m here because I’m me and not anybody else and I feel like each round, I’ve grown more and more. I’ve worked through so much of the performance anxiety that I never thought I’d be able to work through.”

And what lies ahead? “I’m going to do this forever. I want to write music forever. I’ve always wanted to heal people through music the way that it’s healed me, and so that’s my goal.”

Born : June 14, 2000 – Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Favorite Alums:  Chris Daughtry, James Durbin

Musical Influences:  Bon Jovi, Journey, Whitesnake, Queen, Ed Sheeran

First  Idol  Experience : “When Chris Daughtry got voted off, I wrote a handwritten letter to  American Idol  and said, ‘You made a mistake. This guy’s a star.’”

“I have older parents and they looked in the Yellow Pages to find a piano teacher. My dad said, ‘I want you to teach my son. He’s three years old. And the teacher said, ‘We normally like them to read English before they read music.’ My dad told him, ‘He reads, let’s get him in. We’ve got to start him early.’ So I went to his studio and my little legs didn’t touch the floor. I was swinging off the piano bench and I learned how to read music along with English. When I was 10, my parents asked if I actually liked taking lessons. I said, ‘I’ve been doing it forever, so I might as well keep doing it. It’s a part of my identity at this point.’”

Kayko says he was always a music kid. “I did classical piano competitions for a long time and then I always wanted to change the song and not play what’s on the page, so I did jazz. And I thought, ‘This really isn’t really my vibe. I’m a rocker. I would never do a singing competition, not even  American Idol . I would never try out for that.’ And then I did theater.”  

After appearing in musicals like  Side Show ,  In the Heights ,  Ghost ,  Cabaret  and  9 to 5 , Kayko turned to YouTube and  Billboard  to see what music was popular and was inspired to record cover songs. “I was definitely a YouTube kid and that’s how I learned how to produce my own music.”

Kayko attended Berklee College of Music for three semesters, until he realized he didn’t want go to school. “I quit and moved to Nashville. I needed to write and produce my own songs. I needed to book live shows. I had no mentorship or insight, just a dream of being an artist and putting out music.”

Kayko’s audition for  Idol  was unlike most other tryouts but he assures  Billboard  that what was shown on television was 100% true. “I don’t know if the world will ever believe that. One of my very good friends from college, Abby Blake, got a call to do  American Idol  and they wanted her to prepare two songs but said the accompanist would only play one. She said, ‘I feel more comfortable with you in the room.’”

Kayko agreed to go with her. They woke up at 4 a.m. for the Nashville audition and sat in a room all day without ever seeing the judges. The producers asked Blake to come back the next day and Kayko said he would return with her.

“Abby’s voice was shot and she wasn’t feeling well that day and I was thinking I have to break the ice for her, so I was probably talking way more than any accompanist has ever done before. Abby sang her song and got a yes. Katy Perry looks at me and says, ‘There’s something about you. You look like an artist.’ I said, ‘No, I’m not doing this.’ Abby said I should sing for these three music legends. I played an original song and they look at each other and tell me I’m going to Hollywood. What?!”

But Kayko had a huge conflict. “I booked a job in New York playing guitar for a new off-Broadway musical,  Hard Road to Heaven , and I had this in place for a year. The guy who got me the gig put his neck on the line for me and now I have to call him and say, ‘I don’t know what to do. Katy Perry just told me that I have a thing and I need to go to Hollywood Week and I could get cut and get no airtime and lose this thing, or it could be great.’ He said, “I would never hold you back from doing something like that.’ So I spent a week and a half in New York and flew directly to L.A. for Hollywood Week. The only reason I went was for that chance for airtime and the potential viral moment and for my friend Abby. She got cut in Hollywood and I’m still here.”

It could have been an awkward situation, but it wasn’t. “Abby and I are real friends and we’re both in the music industry and know that it’s not personal. I didn’t take her spot. My dad always said, ‘If Simon Cowell walked into the bar and you’re playing a lousy gig, are you going to blow him away?’ And it actually happened with Katy Perry.”

Mia Matthews

Born : Dec. 7, 2004 – Gadsden, Ala.

Favorite Alums:  Daniel Seavey, Clark Beckham, Nick Fradiani, Laci Kaye Booth

Musical Influences : Dolly Parton, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves

First  Idol  Experience:  “I grew up watching the show. My older sister Sadie loved it. I had an  American Idol  karaoke machine. I would stand on my mini trampoline like a stage and then sing with my  American Idol  microphone.”

Born in Gadsden, Ala., Mia Matthews grew up in a very musical family 45 minutes down the road. “My dad was a heavy metal rock star, playing electric guitar. I’m told he toured with Whitesnake. My mom sang with Ernest Tubb and Barbara Mandrell. When I was three, my dad passed away and music was our therapy. It’s how we coped. My mom taught vocal lessons at our house. There’s never been a point in my life where I wasn’t surrounded by music.”

The middle child of seven, Matthews remembers taking road trips with her mother and siblings. “There’s not much to do in Alabama so we would drive around. Mama would play a game with us to see if we could find harmony. It started with, ‘I’m going to hit this note. See where you land.’ And then we sang ‘Jesus Loves Me.’”

Matthews sang in elementary school, but her mother pulled her out of public school and home schooled her children. “Singing was our passion and we would sing for anyone and everyone. My mom led worship at church – she was the choir director. One day when I was 11, we were shopping at Walmart and we sang the National Anthem for the cashier because she was having a bad day. A woman behind us recorded it and posted it on Facebook and it went viral.”

The family booked small shows in Centre, Ala., and performed at football games and festivals. “We moved our way up to Nashville and did shows on Broadway at Ole Red. I was 15 and my little sister was 13.”

Matthews never believed it would be possible to appear on  American Idol . “This past summer I felt stagnant. I had just graduated from high school. I wanted to be a singer but how do I do that? What was the next step? I was searching for an opportunity but was it time to open the door to  Idol ? Then I received a message asking if I wanted to audition and somehow I am here now.”

Mia asked her sister Jacy if she also wanted to audition. “She hopped on some of our virtual auditions and they loved her, too. So we both went to Nashville to audition for Katy, Luke and Lionel. We both got golden tickets and made it to Hollywood. I had been singing with my mom and sister in a trio for years. So we were very comfortable singing with each other but this was a brand-new experience. We were together but we were separate. It was really comforting to have her there because she is my best friend.”

Jacy was cut during Hollywood Week, leaving Mia to compete on her own. “It hurt me, but she took it like a champ. She’s been so supportive. I’m blessed to have such a good relationship with her.”

Will Moseley

Born : July 10, 2000 – Douglas, Georgia

Favorite Alums: Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson

Musical Influences:  Bob Seger, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Blackberry Smoke

First  Idol  Experience:  “In an interview I said I remember the season that Adam Lambert won, and they all looked at me and said, ‘He didn’t win.’ I was a kid, but I remember watching it.”

Growing up in Hazlehurst, Ga., Will Moseley always loved music. “My uncle drove a big semi-truck, and I would go on the road with him. He had a Bob Seger  Greatest Hits  CD and my mom listened to Shania Twain. There was a Shania CD in her car. We played the fire out of that thing. My dad was an earlier Kid Rock fan, so then we covered that genre and then I loved classic country music. That’s just part of the culture where I’m from. Waylon and Willie, George, Merle, Conway, all of that. As a kid, I remember we would go camping and every Friday night at 9 o’clock there was a local radio station that would play Johnny Paycheck’s ‘Old Violin.’ And so now if I’m playing a show, I’ll take an acoustic break in the middle of a full band show and it’s just me and an acoustic guitar playing ‘Old Violin.’”

Music became an important part of Moseley’s life when he was 15. “You know how parents are when Christmas comes around. ‘What do you want for Christmas?’ I told my mom I wanted a guitar. I thought it would be cool to learn how to play. She looked at me and said, ‘Are you going to learn how to play? I’m not buying something else to put in a closet.’ I told her, ‘I’ll give it a shot.’ She bought the guitar and I picked it up and my fingers hurt. My brain didn’t work with my hand. I didn’t even think they were connected to the same body. And after two days it went in the closet. It was a disappointment to my mom at the time, but a few years later I was in college and I took my guitar to school with me.”

When he ended up with a dorm room to himself for a few months, he started playing around with the guitar again. “I decided to teach myself. After Christmas break I didn’t have a TV in my room so all of my free time went into learning how to play guitar.”

Moseley worked at a printing company during the COVID years, when a lot of people were laid off.  “They never brought me back and I had a lot of time on my hands so I played guitar and learned more songs and developed my singing. I found little places that would pay me a couple hundred bucks here and there to play. That’s how I paid my way through college.”

Moseley graduated from Georgia Southern in May 2023 with a degree in biology. He had enough gigs lined up to pay his bills for a few months. “If I didn’t give being a full-time musician a shot I would regret it. So I gave myself a year and said if it wasn’t working by then, I’d get a real job. Eleven months later I’m working with Gene Simmons and Meghan Trainor. If you told me that a year ago, I would have called you a liar.”

Moseley says he has learned a lot during his time on  Idol , especially from mentors Jelly Roll and Gene Simmons. “They both said the same thing: ‘You’re in the right lane. You just have to own it. You’re here for a reason and you have the voice to do this for the rest of your life.’ Of course, there’s going to be turns and hills and ups and downs and all that, but the biggest thing I’ve learned so far truthfully has probably been humbleness and that connections will take you further than anything else in the music business.”

Moseley has a clear eye on the road ahead. “All I want to do is get on a bus and drive around the country and play music for a living. If I play music until the day I die, I’ll die happy.” 

Emmy Russell

Born : Jan. 10, 1999 – Nashville, Tenn.

Favorite Alums:  Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson

Musical Influences:  Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus

First  Idol  Experience:  Watching on her bed, singing along. “I loved the funny auditions.”

“I was supposed to be born on March 12,” says Emmy Russell. “I was a preemie born on Jan. 10, my meemaw and grandpa’s anniversary.” (Meemaw being the legendary Loretta Lynn). “I was in an incubator for 30 days because of an undeveloped lung. Ironically, I sing.”

As soon as Russell was out of the incubator, she was on the road with her mother, who managed Lynn. “Meemaw took me on stage and showed me to everyone, saying, ‘This is Emmy Rose.’”

That was one introduction to music. “My first memory of music was when I was two, seeing a piano player. I was singing my ABCs and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” When I was four, I wrote stories and then I wrote my first song for a second-grade talent show. It was called ‘Try Again,’ about not giving up.”

Russell continued to write songs at this early age, including “Identity.” “Which is ironic,” she says, “because that’s been my war – what is my identity? In school, all the girls would be chasing boys and I was writing songs. I was a bit overweight, wearing big T-shirts and being quiet. I was bullied a lot. I started playing guitar and put my stories into songs.”

Russell’s grandmother had a huge influence on her. “She had this charm about her. She wrote the truth. It must be embarrassing writing a song about your husband cheating on you all the time, but she did. People would ask her about that and she would say, ‘I still love him.’ Her gutsiness is the thing I’ve taken the most from her, but I didn’t realize that until recently. She made you feel like she was so likeable. She would sing ‘Fist City’ but it was never hateful. She smiled whenever she sang it.”

In middle school, Russell was in the chorus. During her high school years, she continued to be on the road with her meemaw. “I opened up for her.” That actually started when Russell was in fourth grade. “She’d call me up and I’d sing two songs. I had an original and then one everyone knew. She’d tell me, ‘People want to hear a song they know. Until you have a song that’s your original one, people want to hear a song that they know so they can sing with you.’” During those high school years, Russell would open with five or six songs. “When I was 15, she passed me down her guitar. It started to feel like we were business partners and that created a lot of pressure. I quit when I was 18.”

Asked about lessons learned while on Idol , Russell says, “Trust your spirit. For some people, it’s God. Just trusting that little voice inside. Being true to yourself is the biggest lesson I’m learning right now. Because when I’m not, my voice gets really pitchy. I get more nervous when I’m not myself.”

Looking ahead, Russell says she wants to travel to different countries. “I love kids. Music is my passion, but I want to use that to help other people. If you’re not, then what’s the point?”

Jordan Anthony (Eliminated)

Born : Dec. 16, 2004 – Melbourne, Australia

Favorite Alums:  Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Spencer-Smith, Iam Tongi, Guy Sebastian ( Australian Idol )

Musical Influences:  Ed Sheeran, Adele, Sam Smith, Bruno Mars

First Idol Experience:  “When I was younger, I used to watch the compilation videos like ‘The Best of American Idol’ or ‘Craziest American Idol Auditions.’ I loved them as a kid. I thought that could be me one day.”

Jordan Anthony has heard this story from his mother but finds it hard to believe: “When I was one and a half I’d be in my parents’ car and when this certain song came on the radio, I would sing along and hit this one note pitch-perfectly every time. That is the moment my parents realized I might be a singer.”

Anthony grew up around music. “My dad was a vocal coach. My parents met doing musical theater, so I’ve always been in that world.” When he was five, his parents put him into musical theater shows. “I realized a couple years later that wasn’t really the thing for me.” At seven, he wrote his first song, “Wait,” about being bullied at school. “I had some tough times at school. I’d come home from classes and sit down at the piano. I was never good at talking about my feelings, so for me, music was an outlet because I could express those things.”

When he was 10, his family moved from Melbourne to Perth. “I busked on the streets there. My mom was my roadie. There’s nothing scarier than standing in a random spot, singing to people walking by. But it helped me develop my confidence and my stage presence. I sang for money and saved up until I had enough to record my first album, One Word , when I was 12.”

Anthony still lives in Perth, so he had a long journey to come to America to audition before the judges on American Idol . But this is not the first time he has performed for millions of viewers. When he was 14, he represented Australia at the 2019 edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest , performing a song he co-wrote, “We Will Rise.” “I looked very different back then,” he tells Billboard . “It was unbelievable to perform on a world stage in an arena full of people with Australian flags flying everywhere. It was incredible and I met incredible people, other young artists like myself from all around the world and I made friends everywhere. It was such an honor to be able to do that.”

Although his Idol journey came to an end on Sunday (April 21), he says he learned a lot during his time on the show. “One skill that I’ve learned is to control my energy and my emotions and my nerves. There are a lot of ups and downs. One minute we’re going onstage. It’s high energy and then you might be sitting around for a few hours and then you’ve got to be ready for showtime again. I’ve been lucky to always have a good head on my shoulders and be able to manage my emotions, but in the pressure cooker environment, it gets tough sometimes.”

Helping Anthony along the way was sage advice from Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. “They’ve mentioned that even when I was singing a cover, they felt my artistry through the performance. That meant so much because I always want people to see who I am through the emotions I’m conveying and the song I’m singing.”

Roman Collins (Eliminated)

Born : Sept. 18, 1999 – Natchitoches, La.

Favorite Alums:  Haley Reinhart, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, Kelly Clarkson

Musical Influences:  The Clark Sisters, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Andre Crouch, Timothy Wright, John Legend, Blossom Dearie, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker

First  Idol  Experience:  “I was a bit young when Kelly Clarkson won. Then I saw Ruben Studdard and Fantasia.”

Roman Collins is a worship leader who grew up in Coushatta, La. “Most people say I started in church,” he tells Billboard . “I’m still in church, where I am also a choir director. I’m told that when I was three years old sitting in my mother’s lap, I got up, grabbed a mic and sang Vicki Yohe’s ‘Because Of Who You Are’ in front of everyone in church.” When he was a little older, Collins was always asking his teachers if he could sing in class. “How annoying is that?” he laughs. “I would hate to be a classmate of mine. “I have to study for this test and Roman wants to sing. Can we not do that?”

Collins was only aware of religious music until the third grade. “My uncle is a great musician and he would say this artist was doing R&B and I thought R&B was a group. I didn’t realize there were other genres besides gospel. Then I found out about Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. Eventually I heard Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse, Blossom Dearie and B.B. King.”

Moving to Los Angeles in 2007, Collins went to a small high school that didn’t have music classes until he graduated. “Thanks a lot!” he exclaims. “When I was 16 I started going to open mics at places like Tha Juice Joint in Hollywood and the Pocket in Culver City. I would watch people from all different walks of life share their gift. It was the best thing ever. I would sing Musiq Soulchild, Marvin Gaye, John Legend and Gnarls Barkley. That opened me up to more R&B and awakened my creative bones.” Then Collins started to get paying gigs. “In December 2018 I sang behind Childish Gambino at the Forum [in Inglewood, Calif.].”

Auditioning for American Idol was always in the back of his mind, he says. “But I did not pursue it. When I was 14 there was a woman visiting our family’s church. She told me, ‘Young man, I want you to write American Idol and put it on your door and look at it every day.’ I never did it, but I never forgot her prophesizing that to me.” But that door opened on a Wednesday in November 2023 when Collins was asked to submit a couple of his videos to the show. “By the following Tuesday I was in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. That changed my life forever.”

The main lesson Collins has learned since starting that journey is that “rest is vital,” he says. “I want to do this for the rest of my life and it is important to rest when you can. I have also learned that I have a platform that God has allowed and to use it for the better. I’ve changed by being more consistent vocally, doing what I have to do to get my voice ready. I’m eating better but I miss my ginger ale.” And what lies ahead? “Changing the world through love,” he answers without hesitation. “Changing the world through music. People ask me why I am so passionate. Because I had a second chance at life. When I was three, I was pronounced dead. I was in a coma for two weeks. The doctor said there was a 97% chance I was going to die. If I did come out of the coma, I would be brain dead for the rest of my life. So when you see me jumping, when you hear my laugh, I’m laughing at fear. I’m alive. I’m doing what I love. Some people are impacted through my gift. We have a saying in church, ‘The joy that I have, the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.’ I want to import the same joy that He has given me.”

Jayna Elise (Eliminated)

Born : Sept. 26, 2001 – Washington, D.C.

Favorite Alums:  Michael J. Woodard, Catie Turner, Grace Kinstler

Musical Influences:  Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Journey, Queen, Mötley Crüe

First  Idol  Experience:  She started watching season 3, the year Fantasia won.

“My grandparents had a rule: No TV until 4 o’clock in the afternoon. You could either play outside or listen to the oldies on the music channel they listened to. That’s what I grew up on. My whole family sings and some of my earliest memories are singing with my grandma at the piano. She taught me how to play the piano. When she and my grandfather were 19, they were in a band. They went to an audition in New York and she got scared and didn’t show up. Then she gave birth to my mom. My mom also sings, but never professionally.”

Elise was six years old when she wrote her first song. “I was in the back seat of the car and was mad because I was told to do something and I didn’t want to do it. That was kind of the vibe of the song: ‘I’m going solo, solo, solo.’ Sometimes it will pop into my head and I think I should do something with it.”

When Elise went to live with her mother, she started listening to music on YouTube. “I posted some covers. The first video that went viral was ‘Skyfall,’ the Adele song. It got 40,000 views in one month. My most-viewed video is me singing the gospel song ‘Take Me to the King.’ I was 11 and it has eight million views now.” That led to more performances at different churches and that same year, Elise joined the children’s group Kidz Bop. “We covered ‘All About That Bass’ and Meghan Trainor sent us a video message saying she couldn’t believe we were covering her song. And now I got to meet her because she is our mentor for Billboard ’s No. 1 Hits.”

After touring with Kidz Bop, Elise attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in the District of Columbia. “That’s where I became classically trained,” she says. “I sang opera there but I also learned how to actually sing. Before I was just going through the motions but my teacher Daphne Dunston Wharton taught me how to breathe correctly.”

Two years ago, Elise wanted to rebrand herself from the little girl singing with Kidz Bop. Having just moved to Los Angeles, she thought about auditioning for American Idol . She tried out for season 21 last year and went as far as the Showstoppers round during Hollywood Week.

“I definitely had my reservations about auditioning again. I saw people who came back last year and they didn’t make it as far as they had before. It is a risk coming back. But I knew that I had grown and that I had a better handle on everything.”

Elise says her most outstanding moment with the judges this season happened during Final Judgment, when the field was narrowed down to a top 24. “Hearing Lionel say you’re not a background singer anymore and that I made it into the top 24 was my goal. I was talking to another one of the contestants and she said, ‘After you get to where you thought you were going to make it, everything else is a gift.’ That put things in perspective for me, because getting to this point is an opportunity I’m really grateful for.”

Nya (Eliminated)

Born : Nov. 10, 1995 – Fort Meyers, Fla.

Favorite Alums:  Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood

Musical Influences:  Whitney Houston, Victoria Monét

First  Idol  Experience:  Watched season one and decided she wanted to be on the show.

“Every Sunday when I would hear [the music of] Sade I knew it was our cleaning day. Mom and I would go to the laundromat. Throughout the day we’d listen to Barry White and African music. That’s my earliest memory of loving music and wanting to dance around and it made the chores seem like fun.”

It may be difficult to believe now but Nya grew up in a family that didn’t want her to become a professional musician. “My family would not pay for any type of music lessons because in my culture in Kenya, it is considered a hobby. It’s not really a life choice or a life career. I grew up in America, but I lived a very strict Kenyan lifestyle. At school, I was in the marching band. I was in band. I taught myself how to play instruments. I started off with clarinet. Went to saxophone, piano, guitar, and did a whole bunch of band-related instruments as well like trumpet. Vocally, if you’re playing an instrument, you can learn so much. So I knew if I learned these instruments that it would only help my voice even more.

“I was going to school to become a lawyer. I was on the student court. I was a very smart kid and didn’t really have to be in school to get good grades and manipulated the system in that way. I started doing school plays. I got a scholarship through playing the clarinet. They wanted me to come and then once I got there, they heard me sing and said, ‘You’re not playing clarinet. You’re going to sing.’ That was the first moment that I thought, ‘I can sing and this is what I want to do.

“At college, I was in an a cappella group, Voices Of Lee, as in Lee University. I lost my voice, singing with a group of people and having to blend, learn other people’s voices and make a group sound good. It was a toxic environment.”

Four years later, Nya moved to New York. In school and summer camp she had been in  Ragtime  and  Shrek . Now she was going to try her hand at Broadway. First, she went home and told her mother that she wanted to pursue a career in music. “She wasn’t having it. She came here from Africa with nothing and wanted the best life for me. In her head, that meant going to school to become a doctor, a lawyer or an engineer. I did not want to be a singing lawyer.”

Nya moved to New York City with nothing and within three years, she was in her first Broadway show,  Caroline, or Change . She had the lead in an off-Broadway show,  Cleopatra , and then played Nina Simone in an Israeli production of  Soul Doctor  and Martha Reeves in a touring production of  Motown: The Musical . In  Beautiful , the Carole King musical, she portrayed Little Eva and sang “The Loco-Motion.” Most recently she was in the off-Broadway hit  Titanique .

Post- Idol , Nya intends to continue with her Broadway career. “Oh yes. I don’t have a Tony yet, so they’ve got to have me back. One of the shows I really want to do is  Hamilton . I want to write my own musicals. I want to do TV, film, all of the above. Have my own beauty line.”

Nya’s father passed away in Georgia when she was 16, and when she sang “Georgia on My Mind” on  Idol , she dedicated it to him. And her relationship with her mother now? “It’s good. She just really wanted me to succeed and I think whatever that would have been, she would have been happy with. Now that I’m an adult, I feel like she is way more open and really proud of me. To hear her say those words knocks me for a loop.”

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European nations with Patriot missiles hesitate to give the air defense systems to Ukraine

Russian rockets are launched against Ukraine from Russia’s Belgorod region, seen from Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries possessing Patriot air defense systems gave no clear signal on Monday whether they might be willing to supply them to Ukraine, which is desperately seeking at least seven of the missile batteries to help fend off Russian air attacks.

Russia’s air force is vastly more powerful than Ukraine’s, but sophisticated missile systems provided by Kyiv’s Western partners can pose a major threat as the Kremlin’s forces slowly push forward along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line in the war .

Only Germany has come forward with a single Patriot missile battery in answer to Ukraine’s latest request.

At a meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot said the Netherlands is “looking at every kind of possibility at the moment” and is offering financial support to a German initiative to help Ukraine bolster its air defenses and to buy more drones.

Asked why the Netherlands is reluctant to send some of its Patriot systems, Slot said: “We are looking again if we can deplete our store of what we still have, but that will be difficult.”

Last week, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the military organization “has mapped out existing capabilities across the alliance and there are systems that can be made available to Ukraine.” He did not name the countries that possess Patriots.

The Patriot is a guided missile system that can target aircraft, cruise missiles and shorter-range ballistic missiles. Each battery consists of a truck-mounted launching system with eight launchers that can hold up to four missile interceptors each, a ground radar, a control station and a generator.

A key advantage of the U.S.-made systems, apart from their effectiveness, is that Ukrainian troops are already trained to use them.

But Patriots take a long time to make — as long as two years, some estimates suggest — so countries are reluctant to give them up and leave themselves exposed. Germany had 12, but it is now supplying three to Ukraine. Poland, which borders Ukraine, has two and needs them for its own defenses.

Asked whether his country would provide any, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said: “I don’t exclude that possibility, but right now we’re focused on financial contributions.” He said Sweden would send other systems that could “relieve some of the pressure” on the need for Patriots.

Jonson also noted that more U.S. deliveries of air defense systems might come after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package over the weekend of $61 billion in support, including $13.8 billion for Ukraine to buy weapons.

Questioned about whether Spain might step up with Patriots, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said that his country “will make its decisions based on the power it has in its hands to support Ukraine.”

“I don’t think we’re helping anyone if we hear all the time what it is that’s being given, when it’s being given and how it’s getting in,” he said at the meeting in Luxembourg.

Reporters repeatedly asked EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who chaired the talks, why countries appear so reluctant to step forward. Many in Europe feel that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop at invading Ukraine should he win the war there.

Borrell said that the EU itself does not own Patriot missile systems. “The Patriots are in the capitals, and it’s up to them to take the decisions,” he said. “Now everything has been said, and a lot of things have to be done.”

NATO keeps track of the stocks of weapons held by its 32 member countries to ensure that they are able to execute the organization’s defense plans in times of need.

But Stoltenberg said on Friday that if dropping below the guidelines is “the only way NATO allies are able to provide Ukraine with the weapons they need to defend themself, well, that’s a risk we have to take.”

Beyond providing new Patriot batteries, Stoltenberg said that it’s also important for countries to ensure that the batteries they do send are well maintained and have spare parts and plenty of interceptor missiles.

In a separate development at Monday’s meeting, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed concern about possible Russian sabotage against facilities in Europe being used to train Ukrainian troops.

Two German-Russian men were arrested in Germany last week on suspicion of espionage , one of them accused of agreeing to carry out attacks on potential targets including U.S. military facilities, prosecutors said. The U.S. has a number of military bases in Germany.

“We are witnessing very similar events in our region, not just in Lithuania but also in Latvia and Estonia as well,” Landsbergis told reporters.

“There seems to be a coordinated action against the European countries that is coming from Russia,” he said. “We have to find a way to deal with the threat … because Russia is fighting not just against Ukraine but the West as well.”

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine